Use of aminoalkoxyphenyl derivatives for reducing and/or controlling excessive intraocular pressure

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to the use of aminoalkoxyphenyl derivatives for reducing and/or controlling excessive intraocular pressure and compositions suitable for this case.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending application Ser. No. 082,554, filed Aug. 7, 1987, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,925 which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 006,233, filed Jan. 23, 1987, now abandoned.

Glaucoma is an ocular disease complex associated with an elevated pressure within the eye (i.e., intraocular pressure, IOP). As a result of the elevated IOP, damage to the optic nerve resulting in irreversible loss of visual function may ensue. Untreated, this condition may eventually lead to blindness.

Ocular hypertension, i.e., the condition of elevated intraocular pressure without optic nerve damage or characteristic glaucomatous visual field loss, is now believed by the majority of ophthalmologists to represent the earliest phase in the onset of glaucoma.

A number of the drugs presently employed to treat glaucoma are not entirely satisfactory, particularly in the earliest course of the disease when the side effects they produce are often worse than the symptoms of the disease.

Epinephrine, used as a topical solution, must be utilized cautiously in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism and cerebral artereosclerosis due to the possibility of systemic action.

Timolol, a clinically utilized, topically applied agent for lowering intraocular pressure, must be used with caution in patients in whom β-adrenergic blockade may be undesirable. Systemic absorption of topically administered timolol and systemic β-blockade are responsible for the contraindication of timolol therapy for glaucoma in patients with compromised pulmonary function and in patients who cannot tolerate its systemic cardiovascular action.

Pilocarpine, a topical drug, although considered systemically harmless and quite effective, may cause considerable local difficulties. Pupillary constriction causes the eye to lose its ability to adapt from light to dark. Accommodation may become stimulated so that the patient's refraction is sometimes incorrect and vision becomes blurred. The drug itself may cause a local vasodilation and red eyes. Irritation is common.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have been used systemically but they have a number of disadvantages. While effective in lowering intraocular pressure, they often cause a numbness and tingling, gastrointestinal upsets and, frequently, depression, lethargy, a loss of appetite, and general malaise. European Patent Application No. 81400326.5, Publication number 36,351 attempts to overcome these difficulties by the topical administration of an alkali metal salt of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.

The present invention is directed to the use of an aminoalkoxyphenyl derivative for reducing and/or controlling excessive intraocular pressure.

Yet, an object of the invention is to provide a method of reducing and/or controlling excessive intraocular pressure in a host in need of such treatment comprising the administration to said host of an effective dose of an aminoalkoxyphenyl derivative.

The aminoalkoxyphenyl derivatives with which the invention is concerned are those represented by the general formula: ##STR1## in which: B represents a --S--, --SO-- or --SO₂ -- group,

R₁ and R₂, which are identical or different, each denote hydrogen, a methyl or ethyl radical or a halogen such as chlorine, bromine or iodine,

A denotes a straight- or branched-alkylene radical having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms or a 2-hydroxypropylene radical in which the hydroxy is optionally substituted by a lower alkyl radical,

R₃ denotes an alkyl radical or a radical of formula

    --Alk--Ar

in which Alk denotes a single bond or a linear- or branched-alkylene radical having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms and Ar denotes a pyridyl, phenyl 2,3-methylenedioxyphenyl or 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl radical or a phenyl group substituted with one or more substituents, which may be identical or different, selected from halogen atoms, lower alkyl groups or lower alkoxy groups,

R₄ denotes hydrogen or an alkyl radical, or R₃ and R₄ when taken together, denote an alkylene or alkenylene radical having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with a phenyl radical or optionally interrupted by --O--, --N═ or ##STR2## R₁₁ denoting hydrogen or a lower alkyl, phenyl, diphenylmethyl, benzyl or halogenobenzyl radical,

Cy represents a group of formula: ##STR3## R represents hydrogen, an alkyl radical, a cycloalkyl radical, a benzyl radical or a phenyl radical optionally substituted with one or more substituents, which may be identical or different, selected from halogen atoms, for example fluorine, chlorine, bromine atoms and from lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or nitro groups,

R₅ and R₆ are taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached to form:

an optionally aromatic mono- or di-cyclic carbocyclic group having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally substituted by a R group in the α-position with respect to the methyne group,

an optionally aromatic 5-membered heterocyclic group, the heteroatoms or heterogroups being selected from the groups O, S, N, ##STR4## O and N; O and ##STR5## S and N; S and ##STR6## N and N; N and ##STR7## the heterocyclic group being optionally substituted by a R group in the α-position with respect to the methyne group and optionally substituted by one or two groups selected from lower alkyl and phenyl groups,

an optionally aromatic 6- to 10-membered mono- or di-cyclic heterocyclic group, the heteroatoms or heterogroups being selected from the groups O, S, N, ##STR8## O and N; O and ##STR9## S and N; S and ##STR10## N and N; N and ##STR11## the heterocyclic group being optionally substituted by a R group in the α-position with respect to the methyne group,

R₇ and R₈, which are the same or different, each represent hydrogen, a lower alkyl radical or a phenyl radical or when they are taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached represent an optionally aromatic 6-membered carbocyclic ring,

R₉ represents oxygen or sulphur

R₁₀ represents oxygen, sulphur or a group ##STR12## R₁₂ and R₁₃, which are identical or different, each represent hydrogen, a lower alkyl radical or a benzoyl radical.

In formula (1) above, Ar can represent more particularly a "phenyl group substituted with one or more substituents which may be identical or different, selected from halogen atoms, lower alkyl groups or lower alkoxy groups."

So substituted phenyl groups can be for instance phenyl groups substituted in 3-, 4- or 5- positions by one, two or three substituents which may be identical or different, selected from halogen atoms, lower alkyl groups or lower alkoxy groups.

Preferred so substituted phenyl groups are those in which the 3-and 4- positions or the 3-, 4- and 5- positions are substituted by lower alkoxy groups preferably methoxy groups.

Therefore, when Ar represents a phenyl group substituted with one or more substituents, it can be represented, more particularly, by the formula: ##STR13## in which T, T' and T", identical or different, each represent, a halogen atom or a lower alkyl or lower alkoxy group.

In the present context, both in the description and in the claims, the following meaning attaches to the terms stated above:

"alkyl" denotes straight- or branched-saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon residues having up to 8 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, neopentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl or n-octyl,

"lower alkyl" denotes saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon residues having up to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl or 1-methylpropyl,

"lower alkoxy" denotes a hydroxy group substituted with a lower alkyl group as defined above,

"cycloalkyl" denotes an alicyclic ring having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms.

Thus, taking into account the meanings given above:

R can denote, in particular, a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 1-methylpropyl, n-pentyl, neopentyl, phenyl, monofluoro-, monochloro- or monobromophenyl, difluoro-, dichloro- or dibromophenyl, monomethyl- or dimethylphenyl, or monomethoxy- or dimethoxyphenyl radical, a methylphenyl radical substituted with a halogen atom or a cyclopropyl radical,

A can denote, in particular, a 1,2-ethylene, 1,3-propylene, 2-methyl-1,3-propylene, 1,4-tetramethylene or 1,5-pentamethylene chain,

R₃ can denote, in particular, a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 1-methyl-propyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, phenyl, benzyl or phenethyl radical, a methoxyphenyl or a dimethoxyphenethyl, for example 3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl radical, a dimethylphenethyl, dimethoxyphenyl, dimethoxybenzyl or pyridylethyl radical or a phenethyl radical substituted in the aromatic portion, with methyl and methoxy radicals,

R₄ can denote, in particular, a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, neopentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl or n-octyl radical,

R₃ and R₄, taken together, can denote, in particular, a 1,4-tetramethylene, 1,5-pentamethylene, 3-oxo-1,5-pentamethylene, 3-aza-1,5-pentamethylene, 3-methyl-aza-1,5-pentamethylene, 3-phenylaza-1,5-pentamethylene or --CH═CH--N═CH-- radical, so that R₃ and R₄, taken with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, can denote, in particular, pyrrolidinyl, piperidyl, morpholinyl, piperazinyl, 4-methylpiperazinyl, 4-phenylpiperazinyl or 1H-imidazolyl radical.

Cy can denote, in particular, a phenyl, cyclohexenyl, indenyl, naphthyl, dihydronaphthyl, pyridyl, dihydropyridyl, furyl, dihydrofuryl, thienyl, dihydrothienyl, pyrrolyl, dihydropyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, benzofuryl, benzothienyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, quinolinyl, benzisoxazolyl, cinnolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, indolizin-3-yl, thienopyridyl, tetrahydrothienopyridyl, pyrrolopyridyl, pyrazolopyridyl, pyrrolopyridazinyl, imidazopyridyl, dihydrofuranonyl, imidazolinonyl, chromonyl.

A particular valuable class of compounds of formula (1) are those in which Cy represents an indolizinyl group.

Another class of compounds are those in which R₁ and R₂ each are hydrogen.

Another class of compounds of formula (1) are those in which R₃ represents a group of formula --Alk--Ar.

A particular class of useful compounds of formula (1) are those in which R₃ represents hydrogen and R₄ represents tert-butyl or R₃ and R₄ each represent n-propyl or n-butyl.

Particularly useful compounds of formula (1) are those in which the chain ##STR14## represents a [N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy group.

Other valuable compounds of formula (1) are those in which R represents an isopropyl or cyclopropyl group.

The invention also relates to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula (1) formed with an organic or inorganic acid.

As examples of organic salts of this type, there may be mentioned the oxalate, maleate, fumarate, methanesulphonate, benzoate, ascorbate, pamoate, succinate, hexamate, bismethylenesalicylate, ethanedisulphonate, acetate, propionate, tartrate, salicylate, citrate, gluconate, lactate, malate, cinnamate, mandelate, citraconate, aspartate, palmitate, stearate, itaconate, glycolate, p-aminobenzoate, glutamate, benzenesulphonate and theophyllineacetate, as well as the salts formed with an amino acid such as the lysine or histidine salt.

As examples of inorganic salts of this type, the hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulphate, sulphamate, phosphate and nitrate may be mentioned.

The invention is also concerned with the N-oxide derivatives of the compounds of formula (1).

The compounds of formula (1) can exist, in some cases, in the form of optical isomers, in particular as a result of the asymetric carbon present when A represents a 2-hydroxypropylene chain.

The invention is also concerned with all the isomers of the compounds of formula (1), the isomers being considered in the dextrorotatory or laevorotatory form, or in the form of a mixture, for example in the form of a racemic mixture.

In the following, the terms "compounds of the invention" will be used for designating the compounds of formula (1), their N-oxide derivatives as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

The present invention is also directed to the use of a compound of the invention in combination with a β-adrenergic blocking agent and/or an anti-inflammatory steroid.

The present invention is also directed to a kit comprising in separate containers in a single package a compound of the invention in a topical ophthalmological carrier and an anti-inflammatory steroid in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The present invention is also concerned with a pharmaceutical composition suitable for treating the rise in ocular pressure comprising a compound of the invention and a β-adrenergic blocking agent/or an anti-inflammatory steroid in association with a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Where utilized herein, the term "controlling the elevated intraocular pressure" means the regulation, attenuation and modulation of increased intraocular tension, which is the primary diagnostic symptom of the disease glaucoma. The term also means that the diminution, in the otherwise elevated intraocular pressure, obtained by the practice of the invention is maintained for a significant period of time as, for example, between consecutive doses of the composition of the invention.

The compounds with which the invention is concerned are administered in the form of ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions adapted for topical administration to the eye: such as solutions, suspensions, ointments and solid inserts.

Formulations of the invention may contain the compound of the invention in an amount of from about 0.00001 to about 1.0 (w/v %) and especially about 0.00001 to about 0.1% of medicament. As a unit dosage form, an amount of compound of the invention between about 5 ng to about 0.5 mg, preferably 5 ng to 50 ng of the active substance is applied to the human eye.

The compounds of the invention may be employed in the composition and methods of the invention as the sole IOP lowering ingredient or may be used in combination with other mechanistically distinct IOP lowering ingredients such as β-adrenergic blocking agents, (e.g., timolol). For purposes of the present invention, the term β-adrenergic blocker means a compound which by binding to β-adrenergic plasma membrane receptors reduces or eliminates sympathetic activity or blocks the effects of exogenously adminitered catecholamines or adrenergic drugs. See, for example, Weiner, N., Drugs That Inhibit Adrenergic Nerves and Block Adrenergic Receptors, in The Pharmaceutical Basis of Therapeutics (ed. A. G. Goodman, L. S. Goodman, A. Gilman), Macmillan Publishing, New York, 1980, 6th ed., pp. 188-197.

The usefulness of β-adrenergic blockers for lowering intraocular pressure is known in the art. Thus, the β-adrenergic blocker timolol, is currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for topical use as a treatment for glaucoma. It is marketed in two dose strenghts, i.e., 0.25% and 0.5%. As previously stated, this agent must be used with caution in a defined patient population because of recognized untoward side effects (see Physicians Desk Reference for Opthalmology, 11th edition, 1983, p. 126, Medical Economics Co. Inc., Oradell, N.J. 07649).

As one aspect of the present invention, it is contemplated that a reduction in intraocular pressure equivalent to that obtained by use of a β-blocker, e.g., the approved clinical dose of the β-blocker timolol, may be obtained by use of a β-blocker when such lower dose is combined with an effective amount of a compound of the invention. It is anticipated that the use of the diminished dosage of β-blocker, e.g., timolol, will result in a reduction of severity and frequency of timolol-like related side effects. Others β-blockers such as betaxolol or levobunolol can also be used.

For purposes of this combination treatment modality, the β-blocker and compound of the invention are preferably administered simultaneously as one composition in one pharmaceutical dosage form. The β-adrenergic blocker may comprise from about 5 μg to about 125 μg of the composition of the invention. The preferred ranges of the components in the composition of the invention in unit dosage form are as follows:

β-Adrenergic blocker: from 5 μg to 125 μg

Compound of the invention: from 1 ng to 0.1 mg.

The individual dosage requirements, i.e., the amount of each dose and the frequency of administration, may vary depending on the severity of the disease and the response of the patient.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the "intraocular pressure reducing concentration" for such combination therapy will consist of a range of concentrations (doses), and that there will be a lower limit to said concentration below which, the present invention will not operate. For purposes of this invention, this lower limit or minimum dosage may be considered to be about 5% of the effective dose (threshold dose) of the particular component. The intraocular pressure reducing concentration that is actually utilized, whether for a compound of the invention or for a particular β-adrenergic blocker, will depend on, inter alia, the potency of each particular material, the combination being administered and the age, size and condition of the patient being treated as well as on the severity of the disease state.

The elevation in IOP associated with the clinical ophthalmic and systemic use of anti-inflammatory steroids also can be reduced by the administration of a compound of the invention. In particular, an increase in IOP is most often associated with the administration of steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Preferred steroids are hydrocortisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, betamethasone, beclomethasone, medrysone and fluoromethalone and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters. This rise in IOP may occur with all modes of administration of the drugs, including systemic (usually oral), local injection (e.g., depot injection), and especially with ophthalmic topical or intravitreal administration. The compound of the invention may be administered following steroid treatment to lower elevated IOP, or may be co-administered with the steroid while not interfering with the anti-inflammatory activity of the steroid.

It is further contemplated that any possible combination of dosage forms may be used to administer the combination e.g., oral steroid/topical compound of the invention, topical steroid/oral compound of the invention, oral steroid/oral compound of the invention, topical steroid/topical compound of the invention with a preferred combination comprising a steroid and a topical compound of the invention.

For ophthalmic use, a combination of a topical steroid and a topical compound of the invention is preferred. More preferred is a topical ophthalmic pharmaceutical dosage form comprising both a steroid and a compound of the invention. Such compositions or combinations can be employed in a method for reducing and controlling the elevated IOP associated with ophthalmic and systemic use of steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, which method comprises administering to a host effective amounts of a steroid and a compound of the invention either separately or in the same pharmaceutical composition.

Since the present invention relates to treatment with a combination of a compound of the invention and a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent wherein the compound of the invention and steroid may be administered separately, the invention also relates to combining separate pharmaceutical compositions in kit form, that is, combining two separate units, a compound of the invention pharmaceutical composition and a steroid pharmaceutical composition, in a single package. Preferred components of the kit comprise a topical ophthalmological compound of the invention pharmaceutical composition. More preferred components of the kit are a topical ophthalmological compound of the invention pharmaceutical composition and a topical ophthalmological steroid pharmaceutical compositon. A particular advantage of the more preferred embodiment of the kit resides in the ability to provide a combination of a compound of the invention which can be administered once or twice a day and a steroid composition which may be administered as frequently as once each hour.

While the mechanism by which corticosteroids provide anti-inflammatory activity is unknown, their ability to provide relief from inflammatory symptoms is widely recognized. See, for example, Haynes, R. C., Jr., and Murad, F., "Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Adrenocortical Steroids and Their Synthetic Analogs, Inhibitors of Adrenocortical Steroid Biosynthesis" in The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (ed., A. G. Gilman, L. S. Goodman, A. Gilman), Macmillan Publishing, New York, 1980, 6th ed., pp. 1470-1492, n.b. pg. 1490-1491.

In this combination treatment modality, topical formulations of the invention may combine the following amounts of each inventive composition and steroidal constituent, or each constituent may be administered separately:

Compound of the invention from about 0.00001 to about 1.0 (w/v %) and especially about 0.00001 to about 0.1% of medicament. As a unit dosage form, an amount of compound of the invention from between about 5 ng to about 0.5 mg, preferably about 5 ng of the active component is applied to the human eye. Individual dosage requirements, i.e., the amount of each dose and the frequency of administration, will depend on the potency of the particular compound of the invention, the severity of the increase in IOP and the response of the patient.

Steroid from about 0.05 to about 1.5 (w/v %) of medicament. As a unit dosage form, an amount of steroid from between 20 μg to 600 μg of the active composition is applied to the human eye. Individual dosage requirements, i.e., the amount of each dose and the frequency of administration will depend on the potency of the particular steroid, the severity of the disease and the response of the patient. Approximate ranges for such steroids are well known to those skilled in the art. The particular steroid selected will determine which compound of the invention and concentration thereof to select for use in a combination preparation.

In one embodiment of the invention, both active ingredients, i.e., compound of the invention and steroid, will be administered simultaneously and be contained in one pharmaceutical dosage form in its own respective preferred concentration. When the steroid is administered systemically or topically other than in an ophthalmological composition and the unit dosage weight may vary considerably, depending as above on such factors as the potency of the steroid, its onset and duration of action as well as the severity of the disease, and the response of the patient. Appropriate dosage ranges for systemic and topical administration of each steroid are well known in the art.

Those skilled in the art will know that for solutions and suspensions, a particular dosage of active ingredient may be calculated if one knows the concentration (w/v) of the particular solution that is being administered. Thus, one drop (1/20 ml) of a 0.25% solution (contains 2.5 mg of active per ml) is known to contain 125 mg or 125 μg of active.

The IOP-lowering effects of the compositions employed in the invention may be measured by the procedure described by Watkins et al., J. Ocular Pharmacol. l (2):161-168, 1985.

To prepare suitable dosage forms, the active compositions may be conveniently admixed with a non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carrier suitable for topical ophthalmologic administration. Typical of such pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are, for example, water, mixtures of water and water-miscible solvents such as lower alkanols or vegetable oils, petroleum based jelly, and including also from 0.5 to 5% by weight of hydroxyethyl cellulose, ethyl oleate, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and other water soluble ophthalmologically acceptable non-toxic polymers, for example, cellulose derivatives such as methyl cellulose, alkali metal carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose; acrylates such as polyacrylic acids salts; ethylacrylates; polyacrylamides, natural products such as gelatin, alginates, pectins, tragacanth, karaya, chondrus, agar, acacia; starch derivatives such as starch acetate, hydroxyethyl starch ethers, hydroxypropyl starch; as well as other synthetic derivatives such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyethylene oxide, neutralized carbopol and xanthan gum; and mixtures of these polymers. The pharmaceutical preparation may also contain non-toxic auxiliary substances such as emulsifying, preserving, wetting, bodying agents and the like, as for example, polyethylene glycols 200, 300, 400 and 600; carbowaxes 1,000, 1,500, 4,000, 6,000 and 10,000; antibacterial components such as quaternary ammonium compounds: phenylmercuric salts known to have cold sterilizing properties and which are non-injurious in use; thimerosal; methyl and propyl paraben; benzyl alcohol; phenyl ethanol; buffering ingredients such as alkali metal chloride, borate, acetate, gluconate buffers; antioxidants such as sodium metabisulfite, butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and the like; and other conventional ingredients such as sorbitan monolaurate, dioctyl alkali metal sulfosuccinate, monothioglycerol, ethylenediamine tetracetic acid, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitylate, and the like.

Additionally, suitable ophthalmic vehicles can be used as carrier media for the present purpose including conventional phosphate buffer vehicle systems, isotonic borics acid vehicles, isotonic alkali chloride vehicles, tris and the like.

The pharmaceutical preparation may also be in the form of a solid insert.

For example, one may use a solid water soluble polymer as the carrier for the medicament. Inserts that are known in the art that are suitable for this use include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,993,071; 3,986,510; 3,868,445; and 3,867,510. Solid water insoluble inserts, such as those prepared from ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, may also be utilized.

The compositions of the invention may include additional therapeutic agents in addition to the compound of the invention. For example antibiotics, anesthetics as well as other IOP-lowering agents may be present.

Prostaglandins can also be used as additional agents such as prostaglandins of the A, E or F type.

The compounds of the invention can be obtained in accordance with various procedures including for instance the following ones.

The compounds of formula I can be obtained:

I. When B represents a --S-- or --SO₂ -- group and A represents an alkylene radical, by condensing, in the presence of an acid acceptor and in a polar solvent such as dimethylsulphoxide or an alcohol, for example butanol, or a ketone such as methyl ethyl ketone, or a non-polar solvent such as an aromatic hydrocarbon, for example benzene, toluene or xylene, a 4-alkoxyphenyl derivative of general formula: ##STR15## in which B' represents a --S-- or --SO₂ -- group, Cy, R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above, A represents an alkylene radical as defined in the formula I and X represents a halogen atom, preferably bromine, or an alkylsulphonyloxy group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as for example, methanesulphonyloxy, or an arylsulphonyloxy group having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, such as benzenesulphonyloxy or p-toluenesulphonyloxy, with an amine of general formula: ##STR16## in which R₃ and R₄ have the same meaning as above to form the desired aminoalkoxyphenyl derivative of formula (1) in the form of a free base.

In general, the condensation in question is performed at a temperature between room-temperature and the refluxing-temperature of the medium, the acid acceptor being, for example, an alkali metal carbonate or hydroxide or an excess of amine of formula (3).

The compounds of formula (2) in question can be obtained:

(a) when X is a halogen, by condensation of a 4-hydroxyphenyl derivative of general formula: ##STR17## in which Cy, B', R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above, with a dihaloalkane of general formula

    Hal--A--Hal                                                (5)

in which A denotes an alkylene radical as defined in the formula (1) and Hal denotes a halogen atom, preferably bromine, this reaction being performed under reflux in a solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone or N,N-dimethylformamide and in the presence of a basic agent such as an alkali metal carbonate, for example potassium carbonate, an alkali metal hydride such as sodium hydride, an alkali metal hydroxide, for example sodium or potassium hydroxide, or an alkali metal alcoholate, for example sodium methylate or ethylate,

(b) when X denotes an alkylsulphonyloxy or arylsulphonyloxy group, by condensation of a halide of general formula:

    Hal--W

in which Hal has the same meaning as above and W denotes an alkylsulphonyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, for example methanesulphonyl, or an arylsulphonyl radical having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, for example benzenesulphonyl or p-toluenesulphonyl, in a solvent which is an acid acceptor, for example pyridine, with a 4-hydroxyalkoxy derivative of general formula: ##STR18## in which Cy, B', R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above and A denotes an alkylene radical as defined in formula (1).

As regards the compounds of formula (6), these can be prepared by condensing, in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide and in the presence of a basic agent such as an alkali metal carbonate, for example potassium carbonate, an alkali metal hydroxide such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, an alkali metal hydride such as sodium hydride or an alkali metal alcoholate, for example sodium methylate or ethylate, a 4-hydroxyphenyl derivative of formula (4) above with a halogenated alcohol of general formula:

    Hal--A--OH                                                 (7)

in which A denotes an alkylene radical as defined in the formula (1) and Hal has the same meaning as above.

Compounds of formula (4) are known products, for instance those compounds in which Cy represents a benzofuryl or benzothienyl group and B' represents a --SO₂ -- group. These compounds are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,117,128.

The other compounds of formula (4) can be prepared in a general procedure, by adapting to the desired compound the method described in the aforesaid U.S. patent or the methods described hereunder.

In most cases, those compounds of formula (4) can be obtained by fixing a 4-O-protected benzenesulphonyl or phenylthio chain to the required carbocycle or heterocycle using a Friedel-Crafts reaction and deprotecting the oxygen in the 4-position of the benzenesulphonyl or phenylthio group by means of classical procedures to regenerate the OH group.

Hereunder are examples of methods commonly used for preparing derivatives of formula (4):

(a) Compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a group (D)

(1) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 2-R-indolizin-1-yl group can be prepared from a compound of general formula: ##STR19## in which B', R, R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above and Y denotes an alkylsulphonyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, for example methanesulphonyl, an arylsulphonyl radical having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, for example benzenesulphonyl or p-toluenesulphonyl, an alkanoyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, for example acetyl or Y represents a benzyl or a methyl radical, namely:

by hydrolysis, under reflux and in basic medium when Y denotes an alkylsulphonyl, arylsulphonyl or alkanoyl radical,

by hydrogenation using an appropriate catalyst for instance palladium charcoal when Y represents a benzyl radical,

by demethylation using an appropriate agent such as pyridine hydrochloride at 180°-220° C. or aqueous hydrobromic acid when Y represents a methyl radical.

As regards the compounds of formula (8), these can be prepared by cyclization under reflux of a picolyl sulphone or sulphide of general formula: ##STR20## in which B', R₁, R₂ and Y have the same meaning as above, with an α-haloketone of general formula: ##STR21## in which R and Hal have the same meaning as above, this being performed in a solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone and in the presence of a basic agent such as an alkali metal carbonate for example potassium carbonate or an alkali metal bicarbonate for example sodium bicarbonate.

As regards the picolyl sulphones of formula (9), these are obtained by reaction of 2-(chloromethyl)-pyridine of formula: ##STR22## with an alkali metal 4-(alkylsulphonyloxy)- or 4-(arylsulphinyloxy)benzenesulphinate derivative for example sodium 4-(p-toluenesulphonyloxy)benzenesulphinate according to the process described in J. Chem. Soc. 1965 p. 3090. The derivative of formula (11) is a product which is known and which can be prepared by known methods.

As an alternative procedure the compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 2-R-indolizin-1-yl group and B' represents a --S-- group can be directly obtained from a picolyl sulphide of general formula: ##STR23## in which R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above, by reacting with a α-haloketone of formula (10) and cyclising the pyridinium salt so obtained under reflux in a solvent such as water and in the presence of a basic agent such as an alkali metal carbonate for example potassium carbonate or an alkali metal bicarbonate for example sodium bicarbonate.

The compounds of formula (12) are known compounds having been published in J. Med. Chem. 26, 218 (1983) or compounds which can be prepared by known procedures and those of formula (9) in which B' represents a --S-- group can be obtained from the compounds of formula (12) by reaction with an alkylsulphonyl or arylsulphonyl halide.

(2) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 2-R-indolizin-3-yl group can be prepared by reacting an indolizine derivative of general formula: ##STR24## in which R has the same meaning as above and R₁₄ represents a lower alkyl radical preferably ethyl, with a halide of general formula: ##STR25## in which B', R₁, R₂ and Hal have the same meaning as above and in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as aluminium chloride to provide a compound of general formula: ##STR26## in which B', R, R₁, R₂ and R₁₄ have the same meaning as above.

The compound of formula (15) is subsequently demethylated using an ethanethiol/aluminium chloride mixture to give a 4-methoxyphenyl derivative of general formula: ##STR27## in which B', R, R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above which, when heated to about 200° C. provides the required compound of formula (4).

The compounds of formula (13) are either known compounds having been published in J. Chem. Soc. 1962 pp. 2627-2629 or compounds which can be prepared in accordance with the method described therein.

(3) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 2-R-imidazo[1,2-a]pyrid-3-yl group can be prepared from a 2-R-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine with a halide of formula (14) and in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as aluminium chloride to provide a compound of general formula: ##STR28## in which B', R, R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above.

The compound of formula (17) is subsequently demethylated using an appropriate agent for instance hydrobromic acid or an ethanethiol/aluminium chloride mixture to give the required compound of formula (4).

2-Aryl-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines are known from J. Med. Chem. 8, p. 305 (1965). The other 2-R-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines can be obtained in accordance with the method described in the aforesaid reference or using classical procedures.

Alternatively, the compounds of formula (17) can be obtained from a 2-R-3-halo-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and the alkali metal salt of a 4-methoxy derivative of formula (20).

(4) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a pyridyl or 3-R-4-pyridyl group can be obtained by demethylating with an appropriate agent such as aqueous hydrobromic acid, a 4-methoxyphenyl derivative of general formula: ##STR29## in which B', R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above and R has the same meaning as above with the exception of hydrogen, to provide the required compounds of formula (4).

The compounds of formulae (18) and (18') in which B' represents a --SO₂ -- group can be prepared by oxidizing a sulfide derivative of general formula: ##STR30## in which R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above and R has the same meaning as in formula (18) or (18').

Compounds of formula (19) are known having been described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,128,552. The other compounds of formula (19) can be obtained in accordance with the method described in the aforesaid U.S. patent while those compounds of formula (19') can be prepared from a 3-R-pyridine, in which R is other than hydrogen, by oxidation with hydrogen perioxide in acetic acid to provide the corresponding 3-R-pyridine-N-oxide which when reacted with a nitric acid/sulphuric acid mixture gives rise to the corresponding 3-R-4-nitro-pyridine-N-oxide.

This nitro derivative is then reacted first with acetyl bromide, then with iron powder in acetic acid to give the corresponding 3-R-4-bromo-pyridine which, when treated with a thiophenol derivative of general formula: ##STR31## in which R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above and M represents an alkali metal atom such as sodium, provides the required compound of formula (19').

(5) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 2-R-quinolin-3-yl group can be prepared by reacting an α-haloketone of formula (10) with a metal derivative of general formula: ##STR32## in which M, B', R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above and Ts represents a p-toluenesulphonyl group, to provide a ketone of general formula: ##STR33## in which B', R, R₁, R₂ and Ts have the same meaning as above.

This ketone of formula (22) when treated with 2-amino-benzaldehyde [Helv. Chem. Act. vol. XVIII, p. 1235 (1935)] gives the 4-methoxyphenyl derivative of general formula: ##STR34## in which B', R, R₁, R₂ and Ts have the same meaning as above, which is subsequently hydrolysed in basic medium for instance in aqueous alkali metal hydroxide, to provide the required compound of formula (4).

(6) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 3-R-cinnolin-4-yl or 4-R-cinnolin-3-yl group can be obtained by reacting a 3-R-4-halogenocinnoline (J. Chem. Soc. 1953, p. 609) with a thiophenol derivative of general formula: ##STR35## in which M, R₁, R₂ and Ts have the same meaning as above and B' represents a --S-- group to provide the 4-tosyloxyphenyl derivative of general formula: ##STR36## in which R, R₁, R₂ and Ts have the same meaning as above and B' represents a --S-- group.

The 4-tosyloxyphenyl derivative of formula (25) or (25') is subsequently hydrolysed in basic medium for instance in aqueous alkali metal hydroxide to give the required compound of formula (4) in which B' represents a --S-- group.

Compounds of formula (24) in which --OTs is replaced by --OCH₃ can also be used. In such case the corresponding compound of formula (25) or (25') is demethylated using for instance hydrobromic acid.

The sulphide derivative of formula (25) or (25') when oxidized with a suitable agent such as hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid or potassium permanganate, provides the compound of formula (25) or (25') in which B' represents a --SO₂ -- group, which compound after hydrogenation on a catalyst such as palladium charcoal or platinum charcoal gives the required compounds of formula (4) in which B' represents a --SO₂ -- group.

Alternatively the compounds of formula (4) in question in which B' represents a --SO₂ -- group can be obtained from a 3-R-4-halogenocinnoline or a 4-R-3-halogeno-cinnoline by reacting with a benzenesulphonyl derivative of general formula (24) in which B' represents a --SO₂ -- group to obtain a compound of formula (25) or (25') in which B' represents a --SO₂ -- group which is detosylated as described above to provide the required compound of formula (4).

(7) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 6-R-pyrrolo [1,2-b]pyridazin-5-yl group can be prepared by reacting a 3-halogenomethylpyridazine with a metal derivative of formula (21) to provide a pyridazine derivative of general formula: ##STR37##

in which B', R₁, R₂ and Ts have the same meaning as above, which is subsequently reacted with an α-haloketone of formula (10) in the presence of a non-nucleophilic base such as for example 1,8-diazabicyclo[5,4,0] undec-7-ene to give the pyrrolo [1,2-b]pyridazine derivative of general formula: ##STR38## in which B', R, R₁, R₂ and Ts have the same meaning as above.

The tosyl derivative of formula (27) is then hydrolysed in a basic medium for instance aqueous alkali metal hydroxide, to provide the required compound of formula (4).

3-Chloromethyl-pyridazine is a known compound having been published in Khim. Geterot. Sikl. Soedin. 3, pp. 412-414 (1970).

(8) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 2-R-pyrazolo [1,5-a]pyrid-1-yl group can be prepared, in accordance with the method described in European patent application No. 121,197, by treating a 2-R-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine with a halide of formula (14) in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as for example aluminum chloride, to provide the 4-methoxyphenyl derivative of general formula: ##STR39## in which B', R, R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above.

The pyrazolopyridine derivative of formula (28) is then demethylated for instance by using pyridine hydrochloride at 200°-220° C. to provide the required compound of formula (4).

(9) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a phenyl group can be prepared by reacting benzene with a halide of formula (14) in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as aluminium chloride, to provide the required compound of formula (4).

(10) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 2-R-phenyl group or a 1-R-2-naphthyl group can be prepared by treating a halide of general formula: ##STR40## in which B', R and Hal have the same meaning as above and R₇ and R₈ each represent hydrogen or are taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached to form a phenyl group, with a methoxyphenyl derivative of general formula: ##STR41## in which R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above, in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as aluminium chloride, to obtain the compounds of general formula: ##STR42## in which B', R, R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above and R₇ and R₈ have the same meaning as in formula (29).

The compounds of formula (31) are then demethylated using for instance aqueous iodhydric acid to provide the required compound of formula (4).

Compounds of formula (29) are known products having been described in C.A. 81, 63285 g, or can be obtained in accordance with known procedures.

Alternatively the compounds of formula (31) in which R₇ and R₈ are each hydrogen and B' represents a --SO₂ -- group can be prepared by treating the alkali metal derivative of a 2-R-benzenesulphonate, with a phenyl derivative of formula (30) in the presence of methanesulphonic acid/phosphorous pentoxide, in accordance with the method described in Communications, April 1984, p. 323.

In accordance with another process, the compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 2-naphthyl group and B' represents a --SO₂ -- group can be obtained by reacting a 2-halogenosulphonyl naphthalene with a R₁ R₂ -phenol derivative. This sulphonate derivative is then rearranged in the presence of aluminium chloride to obtain a complex which is treated by an acid such a hydrochloric acid to provide the required compound of formula (4).

(11) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents an optionally mono-or di-substituted 2-R-4,5-dihydro-furan-3-yl group can be prepared by heating a ketone derivative of formula (22) with a 1,2-dihalogenoethane of general formula: ##STR43## in which R₁₅ and R₁₆ which are the same or different, each represent hydrogen, a lower alkyl radical or a phenyl radical, in the presence of a basic agent such as an alkali metal carbonate, to obtain a cyclopropane derivative of general formula: ##STR44## in which B', R, R₁, R₂, R₁₅, R₁₆ and Ts have the same meaning as above.

The cyclopropane derivative of formula (33) is subsequently heated between 100° and 130° C. in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst such as for instance triphenylphosphine or tricaprylylmethyl ammonium chloride to provide a 4-tosyloxyphenyl derivative of general formula: ##STR45## in which B', R, R₁, R₂, R₁₅, R₁₆ and Ts have the same meaning as above and the said 4-tosyloxyphenyl derivative is then detosylated by treatment with a basic agent such as an alkali metal hydroxide, to provide the required compound of formula (4).

(12) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents an optionally mono-or di- substituted 2-R-furan-3-yl group can be obtained by oxidizing for instance with manganese oxide, a 4,5-dihydrofuran derivative of formula (34) to obtain a furan derivative of general formula: ##STR46## in which B', R, R₁, R₂, R₁₅, R₁₆ and Ts have the same meaning as above, which furan derivative is subsequently treated with a basic agent such as an alkali metal hydroxide, to obtain the required compound of formula (4).

(13) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 2-R-furan-3-yl or 2-R-thien-3-yl or 2-R-pyrrol-3-yl group can be prepared by reacting a compound of general formula: ##STR47## in which R has the same meaning as above and Q represents --O, --S or ##STR48## with a halide of formula (14) and in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as aluminium chloride to obtain a 4-methoxy derivative of general formula: ##STR49## in which B', R, R₁, R₂ and Q have the same meaning as above, which is subsequently decarboxylated by heating and demethylated with an appropriate agent such as pyridine hydrochloride or aqueous hydrobromic acid, to provide the required compound of formula (4).

Alternatively, the compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents an optionally substituted 2-R-furan-3-yl group can be prepared by oxidizing, for instance with manganese oxide, a sulphide derivative of formula (34) to obtain an optionally substituted 2-R-3-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)furan derivative which is subsequently treated by a basic medium for instance an alkali metal hydroxide, to provide the required compound of formula (4).

(14) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 1-R-imidazol-2-yl or 1-R-benzimidazol-2-yl group can be obtained by reacting a 1-R-imidazole or 1-R-benzimidazole with a halide of formula (14) in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as aluminium chloride, to obtain a compound of general formula: ##STR50## in which B', R, R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above, R₇ and R₈ each represent hydrogen or are taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached to form a phenyl group which is subsequently demethylated using an ethanethiol/aluminium chloride mixture or 2-mercaptoethanol in the presence of sodium hydride to obtain the required compound of formula (4).

Compounds of formula (38) in which --OCH₃ is replaced by --O Benzyl can also be used. In such case the compounds of formula (38) in question are debenzylated using for instance palladium charcoal for obtaining the required compound of formula (4).

When R represents hydrogen, imidazole or benzimidazole is protected in the 1-position with an appropriate N-protecting group for instance a benzyl group which can subsequently be removed, if desired, using classical procedures.

(15) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents an optionally substituted 5-R-isoxazol-4-yl derivative can be prepared by reacting an isoxazole derivative of general formula: ##STR51## in which B', R, R₁₅ and Hal have the same meaning as above with a 4-methoxy derivative of formula (30) in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as aluminium chloride to obtain the compounds of general formula: ##STR52## in which B', R, R₁, R₂ and R₁₅ have the same meaning as above, which is demethylated, using for instance aluminium chloride, to provide the required compound of formula (4).

Compounds of formula (39) are known products having been described in Gazz. Chim. Ital 76, 30 (1946) while the other compounds of formula (35) can be obtained in accordance with the method described therein or classical methods.

Alternatively, the compounds of formula (40) in which R₁₅ represents hydrogen and B' represents a --SO₂ -- group, can be obtained in accordance with the method described in J. Hetero. Chem. 23, 1363 (1986) by reacting a 1-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)-2-N,N-dimethylaminoethene with hydroxylamine.

Similarly, compounds of formula (40) in which B' represents a --SO₂ -- group, R₁₅ is other than hydrogen and in which --OCH₃ is replaced by --O Tosyl can be used for obtaining the corresponding compounds of formula (4). These 3-substituted -5-R-4-(4-O-Tosyl)-benzenesulphonyl isoxazole derivatives can be prepared in accordance with the method described in Gazz. Chim. Ital. 98, 656 (1968) i.e. by reacting a benzenesulphonyl-ketone and an hydroxamic acid derivative.

(16) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 5-R-pyrazol-4-yl group can be prepared by reacting a compound of general formula: ##STR53## in which B', R, R₁, R₂ and Ts have the same meansing as above, with hydrazine, to obtain the required compound of formula (4). The compounds of formula (41) are compounds which can be prepared in accordance with J. Hetero. Chem., 23, 1363 (1986) i.e. from a N,N-dimethylaminoethene derivative and hydrazine.

Alternatively the compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 5-R-pyrazol-4-yl group can be directly obtained from a compound of general formula: ##STR54## in which R and Ts have the same meaning as above, and hydrazine in excess. The compounds of formula (42) can be prepared in accordance with the method described in J. Hetero. Chem. 23, 1363 (1986) cited above.

(17) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 1-R₁₁ -2-R-indol-3-yl or 1-R₁₁ -3-R-indol-2-yl derivative can be prepared:

(a) when R₁₁ represents hydrogen, by reacting p-methoxythiophenol substituted by R₁ and R₂ groups, with 2-R-indole or 3-R-indole in the presence of iodine, to provide an indole derivative of general formula: ##STR55## in which R, R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above, which can then be oxidized with 3-chloroperbenzoic acid, to provide the sulphonyl derivatives of general formula: ##STR56## in which R, R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above. The compounds of formulae (43) and (44) can subsequently be demethylated using 2-mercaptoethanol in the presence of sodium hydride to provide the required compounds of formula (4).

(b) when R₁₁ is other than hydrogen, by treating a compound of formula (43) or (44) with an iodide of formula R₁₁ --I in which R₁₁ is other than hydrogen and demethylating the 1-substituted derivative so obtained with 2-mercaptoethanol in the presence of sodium hydride, to provide the required compounds of formula (4).

(18) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 2-R-5-R₁₁ -4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-thieno[3,2-c]pyrid-3-yl group and B' represents a --SO₂ -- group can be prepared by reacting a 2-R-5-R₁₁ -4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-thieno[3,2-c] pyridine in which R₁₁ is other than hydrogen with a compound of general formula ##STR57## in which R₁, R₂, M and Bz have the same meaning as above, in the presence of methanesulphonic acid/phosphorous pentoxide to obtain a tetrahydrothienopyridine of general formula: ##STR58## in which R, R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above and R₁₁ has the same meaning as above with the exception of hydrogen. The compounds of formula (46) are then hydrolysed in the presence of a basic agent such as an alkali metal hydroxide to provide the required compounds of formula (4) in which R₁₁ is other than hydrogen.

Starting 2R-5-R₁₁ -4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-thieno[3,2-c]pyridines are known compounds having been described in Heterocycles, 22, 1235 (1984) or can be prepared in accordance with the method described therein.

(19) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 2-R-thieno[3,2-c] pyrid-3-yl group can be prepared by hydrolising a compound of formula (46) in which R₁₁ represents a benzyl or halobenzyl radical and further reacting the 4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl derivative so obtained with palladium charcoal in diphenylether to provide the required compound of formula (4).

(20) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 5-R-thiazol-4-yl group can be prepared by demethylating a compound of general formula: ##STR59## in which B', R, R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above, using hydrobromic acid in acetic acid, to provide the required compounds of formula (4).

The compounds of formula (47) can be obtained in accordance with the method described in Tetrah. Lett. 1972, p. 2777 i.e. from a sulphonylmethylisocyanide and a thioglycolic acid derivative.

(21) The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 1-R₁₁ -5-R-imidazol-4-yl group can be obtained by demethylating with 2-mercaptoethanol in the presence of sodium hydride, a compound of general formula: ##STR60## in which B', R, R₁, R₂ and R₁₁ have the same meaning as above, to provide the required compounds of formula (4). The compounds of formula (48) can be obtained in accordance with the method described in Tetrahedron Lett. 23, pp. 2373-2374 (1972) i.e. from a sulphonylmethylisocyanide and an imidazol derivative.

(22) The compounds of formula (4) in which B' represents a --SO₂ -- group and Cy represents a group of formula (D) in which R₅ and R₆ are taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached to form a non aromatic mono- or di-cyclic carbocyclic group having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally substituted by a R group in the α-position with respect to the methyne group, for instance a 3-R-inden-2-yl, 2-R-cyclohexen-1-yl or 1-R-3,4-dihydro-naphth-2-yl group can be prepared, in accordance with the method described in J. Org. Chem. vol. 35, No. 12, pp. 4217-4222 (1970) by heating a compound of general formula: ##STR61## in which R₅ and R₆ are taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached to form a group having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms and optionally substituted by a R group in the α-position with respect to the methyne group, with a halide of 4-tosyloxybenzene substituted by R₁ and R₂ groups in an appropriate solvent such as benzene and in the presence of anhydrous cupric chloride and triethylamine, to obtain a 4-tosyloxyphenyl derivative of general formula: ##STR62## in which R₁, R₂ and Ts have the same meaning as above and R₅ and R₆ have the same meaning as in formula (49) which is then detosylated using an appropriate agent such as an alkali metal hydroxide to obtain the required compound of formula (4).

(b) Compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a group (E).

The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a 2-R-imidazol-1-yl or 2-R-benzimidazol-1-yl group can be obtained by reacting a 2-R-imidazole or 2-R-benzimidazole with a halide of formula (14) in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as aluminium chloride, to provide a compound of general formula: ##STR63## in which B', R, R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above and R₇ and R₈ each represent hydrogen or are taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached to form a phenyl group.

The compound of formula (51) is then demethylated using an appropriate agent for instance an ethanethiol/aluminium chloride mixture to give the required compound of formula (4).

(c) Compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a group (F)

The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents for instance a 2-R-chromon-3-yl group and B' represents a --SO₂ -- group can be prepared by reacting a 2-R-3-halogeno-chromone with a 4-methoxy derivative of formula (14) in which B' represents a --SO₂ -- group, in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as aluminium chloride, to obtain the chromone derivative of general formula: ##STR64## in which R, R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above, which is optionally demethylated using for instance aqueous hydrobromic acid or pyridine hydrochloride, to provide the required compound of formula (4).

(d) Compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a group (G)

The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents an optionally substituted 5-R-2,3-dihydro-furan-2-one-4-yl can be prepared by reacting, in basic medium, for instance potassium carbonate, a ketone of formula (22) with a 2-halogenoacetate of general formula: ##STR65## in which Hal, R₁₄ and R₁₅ have the same meaning as above, to obtain a ketoester which is first hydrolysed in basic medium and then treated with a strong acid to provide the carboxylic acid derivative of general formula: ##STR66## in which B', R, R₁, R₂ and R₁₄ have the same meaning as above.

The acid of formula (54) when treated with trifluoroacetic acid or thionyl chloride provides the required compound of formula (4).

(e) Compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents a group (H)

The compounds of formula (4) in which Cy represents an optionally substituted 5-R-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-one-4-yl can be obtained by reacting a 5-R-imidazol-2-one with a halide of formula (14) to obtain a compound of general formula: ##STR67## in which R, R₁, R₂, R₁₂, R₁₃ and B' have the same meaning as above which is subsequently demethylated using appropriate procedures such as in the presence of iodhydric acid, pyridine hydrochloride or hydrobromic acid, to obtain the required compound of formula (4).

As an alternative procedure, the compounds of formula (4) in question can be prepared by adapting the method similar to that described in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 68, p. 2350 (1946).

According to an alternative method, the compounds of formula (1) in which B represents a --S-- or --SO₂ -- group and A represents an alkylene radical, preferably those in which A represents a propylene radical, can also be obtained by reacting, in the presence of a basic agent such as an alkali metal carbonate, for example potassium carbonate, an alkali metal hydroxide such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, an alkali metal hydride such as sodium hydride or an alkali metal alcoholate, for example sodium methylate or ethylate, a 4-hydroxyphenyl derivative of formula (4) above with a compound of general formula: ##STR68## in which X has the same meaning as above and preferably represents chlorine or a benzenesulphonyoxy or p-toluenesulphonyloxy radical, A represents an alkylene radical and R₃ and R₄ have the same meaning as above, the reaction taking place at a temperature between room-temperature and the refluxing temperature of the medium and in a polar solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone or dimethylsulphoxide to form the desired aminoalkoxyphenyl derivative of formula (1) in the form of the free base.

When R₄ represents hydrogen, the nitrogen atom is preferably protected by a labile group for instance a protecting group which can be eliminated in basic medium for example the tertiobutoxycarbonyl (BOC) group.

The compounds of formula (56) are products which are known or which can be prepared by known methods.

The compounds of formula (1) in which Cy represents a group (E), A represents an alkylene chain and B represents a --S-- or --SO₂ -- group can also be prepared by reacting a 2-R-imidazole or 2-R-benzimidazole with a halide of general formula: ##STR69## in which B', R₁, R₂, Hal and X have the same meaning as above and A represents an alkylene chain, in the presence of an acid acceptor such as triethylamine to obtain a compound of general formula: ##STR70## in which B', R, R₁, R₂ and X have the same meaning as above, R₇ and R₈ each represent hydrogen or are taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached to form a phenyl group and A represents an alkylene chain, which compound is subsequently reacted with an amine of formula (3) to obtain the required compound of formula (1) in the form of a free base.

Similarly, the compounds of formula (1) in which Cy represents an optionally mono- or di- substituted 2-R-4,5-dihydro-furan-3-yl group, A represents an alkylene chain and B represents a --S-- or --SO₂ -- group, can be prepared by hydrolysing a cyclopropane derivative of formula (33) in the presence of an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution to provide a 4-methoxyphenyl derivative of general formula: ##STR71## in which B', R, R₁, R₂, R₁₅ and R₁₆ have the same meaning as above, which is then reacted:

with a dihaloalkane of formula (5) and the resulting product with an amine of formula (3) or

with a compound of general formula (56), to provide an aminoalkoxyphenyl derivative of general formula: ##STR72## in which B', R, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₁₅ and R₁₆ have the same meaning as above and A represents an alkylene chain.

The cyclopropane derivative of formula (60) is subsequently heated between 100° and 130° C. in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst such as for instance triphenylphosphine or tricaprylylmethyl ammonium chloride to provide the required 2,3-dihydrofuran derivative of formula (1) in the form of a free base.

II. When B represents a --SO-- group, by treating, with an oxidizing agent, a sulphide of formula (1) in which B represents a --S-- group, this compound of formula (1) being in the form of the free base of a salt thereof so as to obtain the required compound in the form of the free base or a salt thereof.

Where the required compound is provided in the form of a salt, the free base thereof can be recovered by treatment with a basic agent such as an alkali metal carbonate for example potassium carbonate or an alkali metal bicarbonate for example sodium bicarbonate.

Generally, the reaction takes place in water or in an organic solvent such as methylene chloride and in the presence of a suitable oxidizing agent such as for example sodium periodate, potassium permanganate or 3-chloroperbenzoic acid.

Depending on the oxidizing agent used, mixtures of sulphoxides or sulphones can be obtained. These mixtures can be separated by conventional procedures for instance by chromatography.

III. When B represents a --S-- or --SO₂ -- group and A represents an optionally substituted 2-hydroxy-propylene chain, by reacting under reflux a 4-hydroxyphenyl derivative of formula (4) with an epihalohydrin, such as epichlorhydrin or epibromhydrin in dextrorotatory or laevorotatory form or in the form of a mixture of these isomers, for example in racemic form, and in the presence of a basic agent such as an alkali metal carbonate, for example potassium carbonate, an alkali metal hydroxyde, for example sodium or potassium hydroxide, an alkali metal hydride, such as sodium hydride or an alkali metal alcoholate, for example sodium methylate of ethylate, and in a polar solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone to give the oxiranylmethoxy derivatives of general formula: ##STR73## in which Cy, B', R₁ and R₂ have the same meaning as above.

The oxyranylmethoxy derivatives of formula (61) are then treated under reflux with an amine of formula (3), this being performed in a polar solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone or in an excess of amine of formula (3) to give the desired compound of formula (1) in the form of the free base in which A represents a 2-hydroxypropylene chain which can be reacted, if desired, with a lower alkyl halide in the presence of a strong base to provide the compound of formula (1) in the form of the free base in which A represents a 2-hydroxypropylene chain in which the hydroxy is substituted by a lower alkyl radical.

In some cases, by-products may be formed in parallel with the compounds of formula (61) above, on this case 4-(3-halo-2-hydroxypropoxy)benzenesulphonyl derivatives.

On reaction with the amine of formula (3), these derivatives will nevertheless give rise to the desired compounds of formula (1) in which A represents a 2-hydroxypropylene chain.

The compounds of formula (1) thereby obtained in the form of the free base can then be converted to pharmaceutically acceptable salts by reaction with a suitable organic or inorganic acid, for example oxalic, male fumaric, methanesulphonic, benzoic, ascorbic, pamoic, succinic, hexamic, bismethylenesalicylic, ethanedisulphonic, acetic, propionic, tartaric, salicylic, citric, gluconic, lactic, malic, cinnamic, mandelic, citraconic, aspartic, palmitic, stearic, itaconic, glycolic, p-aminobenzoic, glutamic, benzenesulphonic or theophyllineacetic acid or with lysine or histidine.

Similarly, the N-oxide derivatives of the compounds of formula (1) can be formed by oxidizing the compound of formula (1) in question with an appropriate oxidizing agent for instance hydrogen peroxide or 3-chloroperbenzoic acid.

The following non-limiting examples illustrate the invention:

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine oxalate (SR 33513 A)

(a) 2-Isopropyl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine

A mixture of 0.05 mol of 4-tosyloxyphenyl β-picolyl sulphone, 0.15 mol of 1-bromo-3-methyl-2-butanone and 0.05 mol of potassium carbonate in 100 ml of methyl ethyl ketone was brought to reflux for 22 hours. After this period of time, the reaction medium was brought back to room temperature and then filtered. The filtrate was evaporated carefully under vacuum so as to drive off the excess bromo ketone. The pasty residue was taken up in petroleum ether, ground and filtered. The last traces of bromo ketone were thereby removed.

The cake obtained was taken up in a mixture of 200 ml of acetone/water (70:30), acidified with a few drops of hydrochloric acid and then brought to boiling for a few minutes. After cooling and filtration, a white solid was isolated which could be recrystallized in an acetone/water mixture.

In this manner, 2-isopropyl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl) indolizine was obtained in a 70% yield. M.p. 180°-183° C.

From suitable starting substances and using the process described above, the following compounds were prepared:

2-Methyl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 169° C. (acetone)

2-Ethyl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 190° C. (acetone)

2-n-Propyl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 189° C. (acetone)

2-Ethyl-1-(3-methyl-4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 164° C. (methanol/chloroform)

2-n-Butyl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 145° C. (acetone)

2-Phenyl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 168° C. (dichloroethane)

2-Ethyl-1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 161° C. (acetone)

2-tert-Butyl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, Oily

2-Cyclohexyl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 173°-175° C. (acetone/water).

(b) 2-Isopropyl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine

0.034 mol of 2-isopropyl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine were poured into a mixture of 80 ml of water containing 0.34 mol of sodium hydroxide and 80 ml of ethanol, and the reaction mixture was then brought to reflux for 24 hours.

After being cooled, the solution was diluted with 300 ml of water and then extracted with ethyl ether. After acidification of the aqueous phase, the formation of a precipitate was observed, and this was suction-filtered and dried.

In this manner, 2-isopropyl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl) indolizine was obtained in a 90% yield. M.P. 179°-180° C. (isopropanol/water, 3:1).

From suitable starting substances and using the process described above, the following compounds were prepared:

2-Methyl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 177° C. (methanol/water).

2-Ethyl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 204° C. (ethyl acetate).

2-n-Propyl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 225° C. (isopropanol)

2-Ethyl-1-(3-methyl-4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 214° C. (isopropanol)

2-n-Butyl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 190° C. (isopropanol)

2-Phenyl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 234° C. (methanol)

2-Ethyl-1-(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 183° C. (isopropanol)

2-tert-Butyl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 169° C. (chloroform/petroleum ether)

2-Cyclohexyl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, M.P. 217° C. (isopropanol/petroleum ether).

(c) 2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]-benzenesulphonyl}indolizine oxalate.

0.015 mol of 1-chloro-3-(di-n-butylamino)propane and 0.018 mol of a finely ground potassium carbonate were added to 0.012 mol of 2-isopropyl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine in 100 ml of methyl ethyl ketone. The mixture was brought to reflux for 24 hours and then brought back to room-temperature. The inorganic salts were filtered off and the filtrate was evaporated under the vacuum of a filter pump. An oil was obtained which was purified by chromatography on a dry alumina column.

The desired compound, in basic form, thus purified could be isolated in the crystalline state. The oxalate of the product obtained was formed by adding a stoechiometric amount of oxalic acid to a solution of the base dissolved in acetone.

In this manner, 2-isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino) propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine oxalate was obtained in a 26% yield.

M.P. 133° C. (isopropanol).

2-Cyclohexyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]-benzenesulphonyl}indolizine

M.P. 130°-131° C. (methanol) (SR 33641) (Example 51).

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 2-ethyl-1-[4-(3-piperidinopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33528 A)

(a) 2-Ethyl-1-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]indolizine

0.01 mol of 2-ethyl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine was dissolved in 50 ml of methyl ethyl ketone. 0.02 mol of potassium carbonate was added and the mixture was brought to reflux for one hour. 0.04 mol of 1,3-dibromopropane was then added and refluxing was continued for 24 hours. After the reaction, the salts were removed by filtration and the solution was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by chromatography on a silica column (elution solvent: dichloroethane).

In this manner, 2-ethyl-1-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]indolizine was obtained in a 70% yield. M.P. 136° C. (acetone).

From suitable starting substances and using the process described above, the following compounds were obtained:

2-n-Butyl-1-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]indolizine, M.P. 119° C. (acetone)

2-Isopropyl-1-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenseulphonyl]indolizine, M.P. 131° C. (acetone)

2-Phenyl-1-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]indolizine, M.P. 199° C. (dichloroethane)

2-Ethyl-1-[4-(2-bromoethyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]indolizine, Oily

2-Ethyl-1-[4-(4-bromobutyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]indolizine, M.P. 111° C. (cyclohexane)

2-Isopropyl-1-[4-(4-bromobutoxy)benzenesulphonyl]indolizine, M.P. 111° C. (ethyl acetate/petroleum ether)

2-Phenyl-1-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)-3-methylbenzenesulphonyl]indolizine, Oily.

(b) 2-Ethyl-1-[4-(3-piperidinopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]indolizine hydrochloride

0.005 mol of 2-ethyl-1-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)-benzenesulphonyl]indolizine was dissolved in 25 ml of butanol. 0.01 mol of potassium carbonate and 0.01 mol of piperidine were added and the reaction mixture was then heated on a water bath for 20 hours.

After this period of time, the mixture was evaporated to dryness under vacuum, and an oil was thereby obtained which was taken up in ethyl ether. An insoluble material composed of salts was removed, and the ether solution was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by chromatography on a silica column using a chloroform/methanol (8:2) mixture as solvent, and the pure oil obtained was dissolved in a mixture of acetone and ethyl ether.

The hydrochloride was then formed by adding a solution of hydrochloric acid in ethyl ether.

In this manner, 2-ethyl-1-[4-(3-piperidinopropyloxy) benzenesulphonyl]indolizine hydrochloride was obtained.

Yield: 54%

M.P. 183° C. (acetone).

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 2-ethyl-1-{4-[3-(tert-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride. (SR 33511 A)

A mixture of 0.007 mol of 2-ethyl-1-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy) benzenesulphonyl]indolizine and 0.07 mol of tert-butylamine in 50 ml of toluene was heated on a water bath at 100° C. for 48 hours.

After the reaction, the mixture was carefully evaporated to dryness under vacuum, and the residue taken up in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane and the organic phase was evaporated to dryness. An oily residue was obtained, which was purified by chromatography on a dry silica column, using a dichloromethane/methanol/ammonia mixture as solvent.

The purified desired compound in basic form was taken up in ethyl acetate, and the hydrochloride was formed by adding hydrochloric acid, dissolved in ethyl ether, dropwise thereto.

In this manner, 2-ethyl-1-{4-[3-(tert-butylamino) propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride was obtained.

Yield: 68%:

M.p. 229°-231° C. (ethyl acetate/methanol).

From suitable starting substances and using the processes described in the above examples, the following compounds were prepared:

2-Methyl-1-{4-[3-(diethylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine oxalate (SR 33520 A), (Example 4), M.p. 153° C. (dichloro ethane/methanol)

2-Methyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-propylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine (SR 33518), (Example 5), M.p. 107°-108° C. (methanol)

2-Methyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine oxalate (SR 33133 A), (Example 6), M.p. 131° C. (ethyl acetate)

2-Ethyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-propylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33305 A), (Example 7), M.p. 192° C. (acetone)

2-Ethyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33306 A), (Example 8), M.p. 153° C. (acetone)

2-Ethyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]-3-methylbenzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33508 A), (Example 9), M.p. 200°-203° C. (methyl ethyl ketone/methanol)

2-Ethyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]-3,5-dimethylbenzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33538 A), (Example 10), M.p. 136°-137° C. (ethyl acetate/methanol)

2-n-Propyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine oxalate (SR 33220 A), (Example 11), M.p. 111° C. (isopropanol)

2-n-Butyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-propylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine oxalate (SR 33507 A), (Example 12), M.p. 110°-113° C. (isopropanol)

2-n-Butyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine oxalate (SR 33504 A), (Example 13), M.p. 85°-87° C. (ethyl acetate)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(dimethylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine (SR 33517), (Example 14), M.p. 90°-92° C. (diisopropyl ether/diethyl ether)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(diethylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine (SR 33516), (Example 15), M.p. 90°-92° C. (diisopropyl ether)

2-tert-Butyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine (SR 33541), (Example 16), M.p. 90°-92° C. (hexane)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-propylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine oxalate (SR 33512 A), (Example 17), M.p. 164°-165° C. (methyl ethyl ketone/methanol)

2-Phenyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33369 A), (Example 18), M.p. 158° C. (acetone)

2-Phenyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]-3-methylbenzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33486 A), (Example 19), M.p. 194° C. (methanol)

2-Ethyl-1-{4-[3-(N-methyl-N-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine oxalate (SR 33533 A), (Example 20), M.p. 163° C. (acetone)

2-Ethyl-1-{4-[3-(n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine oxalate (SR 33534 A), (Example 21), M.p. 141° C. (acetone)

2-Ethyl-1-{4-[2-(di-n-butylamino)ethyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33547 A), (Example 22), M.p. 153° C. (ethyl acetate)

2-Ethyl-1-{4-[4-(di-n-butylamino)butyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hemioxalate (SR 33548 A), (Example 23), M.p. 150° C. (ethyl acetate)

2-Phenyl-1-{4-[3-(tert-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33370 A), (Example 24), M.p. 228° C. (acetone)

2-Phenyl-1-{4-[3-(tert-butylamino)propyloxy]-3-methylbenzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33485 A), (Example 25), M.p. 181° C. (methanol)

2-Ethyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-pentylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33550 A), (Example 26), M.p. 132°-133° C. (ethyl acetate/methanol)

2-Ethyl-1-{4-[3-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine oxalate (SR 33544 A), (Example 27), M.p. 179°-181° C. (methanol)

2-Ethyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine (SR 33549), (Example 28), M.p. 78°-80° C. (diisopropyl ether)

2-n-Butyl-1-{4-[3-(tert-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine oxalate (SR 33503 A), (Example 29), M.p. 207°-208° C. (methanol)

2-Isopropyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine (SR 33557), (Example 30), M.p. 82°-83° C. (diisopropyl ether/dichloromethane)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(β-phenethylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33577 A), (Example 31), M.p. 209°-210° C. (ethyl acetate/methanol)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(benzylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33578 A), (Example 32), M.p. 193°-195° C. (ethyl acetate/methanol)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(N-phenylpiperazino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine (SR 33579), (Example 33), M.p. 135°-136° C. (methanol/dichloromethane)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(2-pyridylethylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine dioxalate (SR 33582 A), (Example 34), M.p. 154°-156° C. (methanol)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(4-phenylpiperidino)propyloxy]-benzenesulphonyl}indolizine (SR 33583), (Example 35), M.P. 79°-80° C. (methanol)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-octylamino)propyloxy]-benzenesulphonyl}indolizine (SR 33584), (Example 36), M.P. <50° C. (pasty)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-pentylamino)propyloxy]-benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33603 A), (Example 37), M.P. 138° C. (methyl ethyl ketone/ethyl ether, 2:1)

2-Ethyl-1-{4-[3-(1-imidazolyl)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine (SR 33590), (Example 38), M.P. 130°-131° C. (ethyl acetate/methanol/ethyl ether)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[4-(di-n-butylamino)butyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine (SR 33606), (Example 39), M.P. 96° C. (n-hexane)

2-Ethyl-1-{4-[5-(di-n-butylamino)pentyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine (SR 33607), (Example 40), M.P. 89°-90° C. (n-hexane)

2-Isopropyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine (SR 33611), (Example 41), M.P. 96°-100° C. (diisopropyl ether/dichloromethane)

2-Isopropyl-1-[4-{4-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]butyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine (SR 33620), (Example 42), M.P. 84°-86° C. (hexane)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl amino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine (SR 33621), (Example 43), M.P. 109°-111° C. (diisopropyl ether/dichloroethane)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(3,4-dimethoxyanilino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33624 A), (Example 44), M.P. 200°-203° C. (methylene chloride)

2-Isopropyl-1-[4-{3-[N-n-butyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine acid oxalate (SR 33629 A), (Example 45), M.P. 108°-110° C. (ethyl acetate/methanol)

2-Isopropyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3-methoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine acid oxalate (SR 33632 A), (Example 46), M.P. 111°-113° C. (ethyl acetate/methanol)

2-Isopropyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(4-methoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine acid oxalate (SR 33638 A), (Example 47), M.P. 140°-144° C. (ethyl acetate/methanol)

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(4-diphenylmethylpiperazino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine (SR 33663 A), (Example 48), M.P. 170° C. (methanol/dichloromethane).

EXAMPLE 49 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)-2-hydroxypropyloxy]-benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33644 A)

(a) 2-Isopropyl-1-[4-(2,3-epoxypropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]indolizine

While stirring, a mixture of 0.02 mol of 2-isopropyl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, 0.02 mol of potassium carbonate and 40 ml of epichlorohydrin was heated at 90° C. for 20 hours. After this period of time the epichlorohydrin in excess was eliminated under vacuum and the residue was taken up in toluene. The solution was washed with a dilute sodium hydroxide solution then with water. The organic phase was evaporated to dryness under vacuum to obtain an oil which was purified on a silica column (eluent: dichloromethane/ethyl acetate 95/5). The desired product slowly crystallized.

In this manner, 2-isopropyl-1-[4-(2,3-epoxypropyloxy) benzenesulphonyl]indolizine was obtained in a yield of 68%.

M.P. 110°-111° C. (methanol).

(b) 2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-di-n-butylamino)-2-hydroxypropyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride

A solution of 0.0027 mol of 2-isopropyl-1-[4-(2,3-epoxypropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]indolizine and 0.015 mol of di-n-butylamine in 10 ml of methanol was refluxed for 1 hour. The solution was brought to room-temperature and the di-n-butylamine in excess was eliminated under vacuum together with the solvent. The residue obtained was taken up in anhydrous ethyl ether and the hydrochloride of the desired compound was formed by adding hydrogen chloride in ethyl ether.

In this manner, 2-isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)-2-hydroxypropyloxy]-benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride was obtained which was recrystallized from an acetone/ethyl ether mixture.

Yield: 68.9%.

M.P. 155°-156° C.

EXAMPLE 50 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33656 A)

To a solution of 0.075 mol of 2-isopropyl-1-[4-(2,3-epoxypropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]indolizine dissolved in 25 ml of methanol, there were added 0.01 mol of N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine hydrochloride and 0.011 mol of triethylamine. The mixture was brought to reflux for 5 hours. After cooling the reaction medium was evaporated off to dryness and the oily residue was taken up in dichloromethane and slightly alkaline water.

The organic phase was washed, dried and evaporated off under vacuum. The crude compound so obtained was purified by chromatography on a silica column rendered inactive by means of diethylamine (eluent: dichloromethane). The purified product was dissolved in anhydrous ethyl ether and the hydrochloride of the desired compound was formed by adding hydrogen chloride in ethyl ether. The hydrochloride in question precipitated.

In this manner, 2-isopropyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine hydrochloride was obtained.

M.P. 110° C.

EXAMPLE 52 Preparation of 1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]phenylthio}-2-isopropylindolizine oxalate (SR 33650 A)

(a) 1-(3-Methyl-2-oxobutyl)-2-{[(4-hydroxyphenyl)thio]methyl}pyridinium bromide

A mixture of 0.02 mol of 2-{[(4-hydroxyphenyl)thio]methyl}pyridine and 0.03 mol of bromomethylisopropylketone in 160 ml of acetone was heated to boiling for 24 hours. After this period of time, the reaction medium was brought to room-temperature. A precipitate was observed which increased by adding pure diethyl ether. This precipitate was filtered out washed with dry diethyl ether and dried under vacuum.

In this manner, 1-(3-methyl-2-oxobutyl)-2-{[(4-hydroxyphenyl)thio]methyl}pyridinium bromide was obtained in crude form and used as such.

Yield: 65%.

M.P. 175° C.

(b) 1-[(4-Hydroxyphenyl)thio]-2-isopropylindolizine

The pyridinium bromide obtained in paragraph (a) above was dissolved in water and sodium bicarbonate in excess was added to this solution. The mixture was heated at 90° C. for 25 minutes and then brought to room-temperature.

An oil was so obtained which was washed with water by decantation. This oil was then dissolved in methanol, the methanolic solution was filtered and evaporated to dryness. The crude product so obtained was purified by chromatography on a silica column (eluent: dichloroethane/hexane 1/1).

In this manner, 1-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)thio]-2-isopropylindolizine was obtained.

Yield: 90%.

M.P. 100° C.

(c) 1-{4-[3-(Di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]phenylthio}-2-isopropylindolizine oxalate

Into a solution of 0.01 mol of 1-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)thio]-2-isopropylindolizine in 80 ml of dimethylsulphoxide, there were added 5 g of anhydrous potassium carbonate and 0.015 mol of 1-chloro-di-n-butylamino-propane. The reaction medium was maintained under stirring for 24 hours and then poured into 500 ml of water. The solution was extracted with diethyl ether and the organic phase was washed with water, dried on sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated to dryness to obtain the desired product in basic form. This crude compound was dissolved in dry diethyl ether and a solution of oxalic acid in diethyl ether was added.

In this manner, 1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]phenylthio}-2-isopropylindolizine oxalate was obtained in a yield of 65%.

M.P. 118° C. (ethanol/diisopropyl ether).

Using the same method as that described above but starting from the appropriate product, the following compound was prepared:

1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}phenylthio]-2-isopropylindolizine oxalate (SR 33651), (Example 53), M.P. 110° C.

EXAMPLE 54 Preparation of 4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyl]oxyphenyl (2-isopropyl-1-indolizinyl)sulphoxide oxalate (SR 33644)

Into a solution of 0.0017 mol of 1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]phenylthio}-2-isopropylindolizine oxalate, obtained in Example 52, in 10 ml of methylene chloride, was added, drop-by-drop at the temperature of 0° C., a solution of 0.0019 mol of 3-chloroperbenzoic acid in 10 ml of methylene chloride. The reaction medium was allowed to return to room-temperature and the reaction was maintained for 15 minutes.

The medium was twice washed with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate then with water. The organic phase was dried on sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated to dryness to obtain the desired product in basic form.

This crude compound was dissolved in dry diethyl ether and a solution of oxalic acid in diethyl ether was added.

In this manner, 4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyl]oxyphenyl (2-isopropyl-1-indolizinyl)sulphoxide oxalate was obtained in a yield of 20%. M.P. 70° C.

EXAMPLE 55 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine oxalate (SR 33700 A)

(a) 1-Ethoxycarbonyl-2-isopropyl-3-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine

Into 114 ml of 1,2-dichloroethane were dissolved 13.4 g (0.058 mol) of 1-carboethoxy-2-isopropylindolizine and 12.7 g (0.061 mol) of 4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl chloride. The solution was stirred and cooled to 0° C. while 23 g (0.174 mol) of aluminium chloride were added by small fractions.

The addition was terminated after 30 min and the medium was allowed to return to room-temperature for 4 hours. After that, the mixture was poured onto ice and 20 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid were added. The medium was stirred for 30 min and the organic layer was decanted and washed with 3 fractions of water. The extract was dried on sodium sulphate and isolated under vacuum to obtain 24.8 g of a black oil (theory: 23.28 g). This oil was purified on a silica column using first n-hexane/10%-ethyl acetate and then n-hexane/20%-ethyl acetate as eluents.

In this manner 3.25 g of 1-ethoxycarbonyl 2-isopropyl-3-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine were obtained in a form of a white solid.

Yield: 13.95%.

M.P. 103°-104° C. (hexane/methylene chloride).

(b) 1-Carboxy-2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine

Into 100 ml of methylene chloride and 25 ml of ethanethiol, were suspended 6.7 g (0.050 mol) of aluminium chloride. The suspension was stirred and cooled to 0° C. while 2.5 g of 1-ethoxycarbonyl-2-isopropyl-3-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine in methylene chloride were added. The addition took about 15 min. The reaction medium was allowed to return to room-temperature and maintained, at this temperature, for 45 min. After pouring onto ice, 5 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid were added while stirring and the medium was extracted with 2 fractions of ethyl ether. The ethereal extracts were collected and washed with 3 fractions of 30 ml of a 10%-aqueous solution of sodium carbonate. The aqueous phase was acidified and a precipitate was observed.

In this manner 1 g of crude 1-carboxy-2 isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine was obtained in the form of a beige solid. Yield: 44.6%.

(c) 2-Isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl) indolizine

For 2 min, 1 g (2.78×10⁻³ mol) of 1-carboxy-2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine was heated at 200° C. The black residue so obtained was taken up in methylene chloride and a slight precipitate was eliminated by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated to provide 0.8 g of a brown oil (theory: 0.877 g). This oil was purified on a silica column using a methylene chloride/ethyl acetate 95/5 mixture as eluent and 0.6 g of a green oil was isolated.

In this manner 2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine was obtained.

Yield: 68.4%.

Purity: 97.5%.

(d) 2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy} benzenesulphonyl]inodolizine oxalate

At room-temperature, 0.510 g (1.57×10⁻³ mol) of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indolizine, 0.5 g of potassium carbonate and 5 ml of dimethylsulphoxide were stirred for 30 min. To this mixture b 0.524 g (1.45×10⁻³ mol) of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane acid oxalate was added. The stirring was maintained for 16 h at room-temperature then for 2 h at 50° C. The dimethylsulphoxide was eliminated under vacuum and the residue was taken up in water. The medium was then twice extracted with ethyl acetate. After that the extracts were twice washed with water and dried on sodium sulphate. After filtration, the filtrate was evaporated under vacuum to obtain 0.845 g of an amber-coloured oil. This oil was purified on a silica column using as eluents, ethyl acetate containing 5%, then 10%, then 20%-methanol to provide 0.583 g of desired product in free base form (yield: 73%; purity: 99.4%).

The oxalate was formed using 0.530 g of base so obtained and an ethereal solution of oxalic acid. The oxalate was recrystallized from ethyl acetate/methanol/ethyl ether.

In this manner 0.473 g of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine oxalate was obtained in the form of a white solid.

M.P.: 135°-137° C.

EXAMPLE 56 Preparation of 4-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]phenylthio}pyridine dioxalate (SR 33683 A)

(a) 4-(4-Hydroxy-phenylthio)pyridine

A mixture of 0.0386 mol of 4-(4-methoxy-phenylthio)pyridine hydrochloride in 100 ml of 47%-hydrobromic acid was heated to boiling for 6 hours. The hydrobromic acid in excess was then distilled off using a rotatory evaporator and the residue was taken up in water. The solution was twice washed with ethyl ether and neutralized with a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution. The precipitate which formed was filtered out, washed with water and dried under vacuum at the temperature of 60° C.

In this manner 4-(4-hydroxy-phenylthio)pyridine was obtained in a yield of 96%.

M.P.: 240° C. (heptane/isopropanol 6/4).

(b) 4-{4-[3-(Di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]phenylthio}pyridine dioxalate

A solution of 0.014 mol of 4-(4-hydroxy-phenylthio)pyridine and 3 g of finely crushed anhydrous potassium carbonate in 50 ml of dimethylsulphoxide was placed under stirring for 30 min. To this medium 0.016 mol of 1-chloro-3-(di-n-butylamino)propane was added and the stirring was maintained at room-temperature for 24 hours. The reaction medium was poured into water and extracted with ethyl ether. The organic phase was washed with water, dried on sodium sulphate and filtered. After the solvent was evaporated off, an oil was provided which was purified by chromatography on a silica column (eluent:methanol). The required compound in free base form so obtained was then transformed into an oxalate by adding an ethereal solution of oxalic acid.

In this manner 4-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]phenylthio}pyridine dioxalate was obtained in a yield of 80%.

M.P.: 153° C. (ethanol).

Using the same procedure as that described above, 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}phenylthio]pyridine oxalate (SR 33682 A) (Example 57) was obtained.

M.P.: 150° C. (ethanol).

EXAMPLE 58 Preparation of 2-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxybenzenesulphonyl}pyridine oxalate (SR 33692 A)

(a) 2-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)pyridine

Into 200 ml of dichloromethane was dissolved 0.052 mol of 2-[(4-methoxyphenyl)thio]pyridine hydrochloride. To this solution, previously cooled to 0° C., a solution of 0.156 mol of 3-chloro-perbenzoic acid in 200 ml of dichloromethane was added drop-by-drop and under stirring. The reaction medium was still maintained under stirring for 15 min at 0° C. and then the temperature was brought to 25° C. The mixture was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate then with water. The organic phase was dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate, filtered and distilled using a rotatory evaporator. The residue so obtained was purified by chromatography on a silica column using a 1,2-dichloroethane/ethyl acetate 95/5 mixture as eluent.

In this manner 2-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)pyridine was obtained in a yield of 78%.

M.P.: 112° C. (isopropanol).

Using the same procedure as that described above 4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)pyridine was prepared.

M.P.: 104° C. (heptane).

(b) 2-(4-Hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)pyridine

A mixture of 0.028 mol of 2-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)pyridine in 70 ml of 47%-hydrobromic acid was heated to reflux for 6 hours. After this period of time, the hydrobromic acid in excess was distilled off. The residue so obtained was taken up in water, washed with ethyl ether, treated with active charcoal and filtered. The aqueous solution was then neutralized with a sodium hydroxide solution and the precipitate which formed, was filtered out and washed with water. The desired product was dried under vacuum at 60° C. and recrystallized from a heptane/isopropanol 8/2 mixture.

In this manner 2-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)pyridine was obtained in a yield of 88%.

M.P.: 148° C.

Using the same method as that described above, 4-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)pyridine was prepared.

M.P.: 215° C. (heptane/isopropanol 7/3).

(c) 2-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}pyridine oxalate

To a solution of 0.0085 mol of 2-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)pyridine in 50 ml of dimethylsulphoxide, were added 3 g of finely crushed anhydrous potassium carbonate. The mixture was then maintained under stirring for 30 min and 0.015 mol of 1-chloro-3-(di-n-butylamino)propane was added. Stirring was still maintained for 24 hours and the reaction mixture was then poured into water and extracted with ethyl ether. The organic layer was washed with water, dried on sodium sulphate and filtered. After the filtrate was evaporated, the desired product so obtained was purified by chromatography on a silica column using methanol as eluent. The pure base so obtained was then transformed into an oxalate by addition of oxalic acid in ethyl ether.

In this manner 2-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}pyridine oxalate was obtained in a yield of 50%.

M.P.: 70° C. (ethyl acetate).

Using the same method as that described above, the following compounds were prepared:

2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]pyridine oxalate (SR 33691 A), (Example 59), M.P.: 161.9° C. (ethanol)

4-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}pyridine dioxalate (SR 33685 A), (Example 60), M.P.: 122° C. (ethyl acetate/ethanol 1/1)

4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]pyridine oxalate (SR 33680 A), (Example 61), M.P.: 160° C. (ethanol).

EXAMPLE 62 Preparation of 2-{4-[3-(tertiobutylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}pyridine oxalate (SR 33693 A)

To a solution of 0.0042 mol of 2-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)pyridine in 25 ml of dimethylsulphoxide, was added 1.5 g of finely crushed anhydrous potassium carbonate. The mixture was stirred for 30 min and 0.0075 mol of 1-chloro-3-(N-BOC-tertiobutylamino)propane was added. Stirring was maintained for 24 hours and the reaction mixture was then poured into water. After extraction with ethyl ether the organic phase was washed with water, dried on sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The oily residue so obtained was stirred at the temperature of 185° C. for 20 min and the reaction medium was taken up in water. The mixture was made alkaline with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and extracted with ethyl ether. The ethereal solution was washed with water, dried on sodium sulphate and filtered. After the solvent was eliminated, a crude product was obtained which was purified by chromatography on a silica column using methanol as eluent. The base so purified was then transformed into an oxalate by adding an ethereal solution of oxalic acid.

In this manner 2-{4-[3-(tertiobutylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}pyridine oxalate was obtained in a yield of 23%.

M.P.: 147° C.

EXAMPLE 63 Preparation of 4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonylbenzene hydrochloride (SR 33652 A)

(a) (4-Hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)benzene

To a solution of 0.05 mol of (4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)benzene in 150 ml of anhydrous benzene, was added 0.02 mol of aluminium chloride and the reaction medium was maintained for about 15 hours under stirring at room-temperature. After this period of time, the mixture was poured onto crushed ice. The organic phase was collected, dried on sodium sulphate and evaporated to dryness.

In this manner (4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)benzene was obtained in a yield of 68%.

M.P.: 135° C.

(b) 4-{3-[N-Methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonylbenzene hydrochloride

To a solution of 0.0147 mol of (4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)benzene in 25 ml of dimethylsulphoxide, was added 0.0294 mol of potassium carbonate and 0.0147 mol of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane. The mixture was maintained under stirring for 24 hours at room-temperature and 60 ml of water were added. After extraction with ethyl ether, the organic phase was dried and evaporated to dryness to obtain an oily product. The hydrochloride was formed by adding hydrogen chloride in ethyl ether to an ethereal solution of the base so provided.

In this manner, 4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonylbenzene hydrochloride was obtained in a yield of 30%.

M.P.: 114° C. (ethanol).

Using the same procedure as that described above, 4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonylbenzene oxalate was obtained (SR 31810 A). (Example 64)

Yield: 48%.

M.P.: 78°-81° C. (isopropanol).

EXAMPLE 65 Preparation of 2-n-butyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}benzimidazole acid oxalate (SR 33631A )

(a) 2-n-Butyl-1-(4-bromopropoxy-benzenesulphonyl)benzimidazole

A solution of 0.0035 mol of 4-bromopropoxy-benzimidazole, 0.0035 mol of 2-n-butyl-benzimidazole and 0.0035 mol of triethylamine in 15 ml of dioxan was maintained for 7-8 hours under stirring and at room-temperature. The solvent was eliminated under vacuum to obtain a residue which was purified by chromatography on a silica column (eluent: dichloromethane/ethyl acetate 9/1).

In this manner 2-n-butyl-1-(4-bromopropoxy-benzenesulphonyl)benzimidazole was obtained and was used as such.

Yield: 50%.

(b) 2-n-Butyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}benzimidazole acid oxalate

To a solution of 0.0017 mol of 2-n-butyl-1-(4-bromopropoxy-benzenesulphonyl)benzimidazole in 15 ml of dimethylsulphoxide was added 0.0034 mol of n-butylamine. The reaction medium was allowed to stand for 17 hours at room-temperature and then poured into 50 ml of water. After extraction, the ethereal phase was dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue so obtained was purified by chromatography on a silica column (eluent: dichloromethane/ethyl acetate) to obtain an oil which was the desired product in the form of the free base (yield: 50%). The oxalate of the base so provided was formed by dissolving the base in question into ethyl ether and adding an ethereal solution of oxalic acid.

In this manner 2-n-butyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}benzimidazole acid oxalate was obtained after recrystallization from ethanol.

EXAMPLE 66 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl benzofuran oxalate (SR 33670 A)

A mixture of 0.0021 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)benzofuran, 0.002 mol of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane and 0.0002 mol of potassium carbonate in 2 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was stirred at 100° C. for 1 hour. The medium was then poured into water and distilled in the presence of ethyl acetate. After that the mixture was dried on sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The residue was taken up in ethyl acetate and the solution was purified by chromatography on a silica column using methanol as eluent. The oily product so obtained in free base form was taken up in ethyl acetate and one equivalent of oxalic acid in ethyl ether was added. The precipitate so formed was filtered out and recrystallized.

In this manner 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran oxalate was obtained in a yield of 90%.

M.P.: 151°-158° C. (methanol/ethyl acetate).

Using the same method as that described above, the following compounds were prepared:

Compounds:

2-n-Propyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran oxalate (SR 33689 A), (Example 67), M.P.: 143°-144° C. (methanol/ethyl acetate).

2-n-Propyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzothiophene hemioxalate (SR 33688 A), (Example 68). M.P.: 148°-149° C. (methanol/ethyl acetate).

EXAMPLE 69 Preparation of 2-n-butyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran hydrochloride (SR 33646 A)

(a) 2-n-Butyl-3-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran

To a solution of 0.02 mol of 2-n-butyl-3-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-benzofuran in 150 ml of dimethylsulphoxide, was added 0.06 mol of finely crushed anhydrous potassium carbonate. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour. After that 0.1 mol of 1,3-dibromo-propane was added and the reaction medium was heated to 50° C. for 6 hours. After the reaction was terminated, the mixture was filtered and evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The residue so obtained was then taken up in dichloroethane, washed with water, then with a dilute solution of sodium hydroxide and finally with water. The organic phase was evaporated to dryness under vacuum to obtain a residual oil which was purified by chromatography on a silica column (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 9/1).

In this manner, 2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran was obtained in a yield of 43%.

(b) 2-n-Butyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran hydrochloride

A mixture of 0.0086 mol of 2-n-butyl-3-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran, 4 g of anhydrous potassium carbonate and 0.015 mol of N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine in 50 ml of dimethylsulphoxide was maintained under stirring for 24 hours. The reaction medium was poured into water and extracted with ethyl ether. The organic solution was washed with water, dried on sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The oily residue was purified by chromatography on a silica column using, as eluent, a dichlorethane/methanol 9/1 mixture. The hydrochloride of the base so provided was formed by adding an ethereal solution of hydrogen chloride.

In this manner, 2-n-butyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran hydrochloride was obtained in a yield of 38%.

M.P.: 60° C. (diisopropyl ether).

EXAMPLE 70 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine oxalate (SR 33684 A)

(a) 2-Isopropyl-3-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine

A solution of 0.03 mol of 2-isopropyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine and 0.03 mol of 4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl chloride in 60 ml of dichloroethane was cooled to -24° C. After that 0.068 mol of aluminium chloride was added in one fraction and the reaction medium was allowed to return to room-temperature for 3 hours. The mixture was then poured into ice water and distilled in the presence of ethyl acetate. After drying on sodium sulphate, the medium was filtered and concentrated. The solid so obtained was then recrystallized from an ethyl acetate/hexane mixture to provide a product in the form of a white crystalline solid.

In this manner, 0.018 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine was obtained.

Yield: 60%.

M.P.: 138°-139° C.

(b) 2-Isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine

A mixture of 0.012 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine and 0.054 mol of pyridine hydrochloride was heated at 220° C. for 1 hour. Water was then added and the mixture was distilled in the presence of ethyl acetate. The medium was dried on sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The solid so obtained was then recrystallized from isopropyl ether to provide a white crystalline product.

In this manner, 0.012 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine was obtained.

Yield: 99%.

M.P.: 146.2° C.

(c) 2-Isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine oxalate

A mixture of 0.003 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine, 0.003 mol of 1-chloro-3-(di-n-butylamino)propane and 0.004 mol of potassium carbonate in 6 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was stirred for 40 min. at 100° C. The reaction medium was then poured into water and distilled in the presence of ethyl acetate. After drying on sodium sulphate, the mixture was filtered and concentrated. The residue was then purified on a silica column using an ethyl acetate/hexane 3/7 mixture as eluent. The base so obtained, in oily form, was then treated with an ethereal solution of one equivalent of oxalic acid and the precipitate which formed was filtered out and recrystallized from an ethyl ether/isopropanol mixture.

In this manner, 0.0028 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine oxalate was obtained.

Yield: 92%.

M.P.: 72° C.

Using the same procedure as that described above, 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine oxalate was obtained (SR 33679 A) (Example 71).

M.P.: 144°-147° C. (isopropanol).

EXAMPLE 72 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(tertiobutylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine oxalate (SR 33686 A)

(a) 2-Isopropyl-3-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine

A mixture of 0.003 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine, 0.064 mol of 1,3-dibromopropane and 0.004 mol of potassium carbonate in 6 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was stirred at 100° C. for one hour. The medium was then poured into water and distilled in the presence of ethyl acetate. After drying on sodium sulphate, the mixture was filtered and concentrated to obtain a residue which was purified on a silica column using an ethyl acetate/hexane 1/1 mixture.

In this manner, 0.0021 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine was obtained in the form of a viscous oil.

Yield: 69%.

(b) 2-Isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(tertiobutylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine oxalate

In a flask, a solution of 0.002 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-(bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine and 0.008 mol of tertiobutylamine in 4 ml of N,N-dimethylsulphoxide was stirred at room-temperature for 24 hours. The mixture was poured into water and then distilled in the presence of ethyl acetate. After drying on sodium sulphate, the medium was filtered and concentrated to obtain a base in oily form. A solution of this base in an ethyl ether/ethyl acetate mixture was then treated with one equivalent of oxalic acid and the white precipitate so obtained was recrystallized from an ethyl ether/isopropanol mixture.

In this manner, 0.002 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(tertiobutylamino) propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine oxalate was obtained.

Yield: 99%.

M.P.: 208° C.

EXAMPLE 73 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-4,5-dihydro-furan oxalate (SR 33681 A)

(a) 1-(4-Tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)-3-methyl-butan-2-one

A mixture of 0.1 mol of sodium 4-tosyloxysulphinate and 0.1 mol of bromomethyl isopropyl ketone in 400 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was stirred at 85° C. for 90 min. The mixture was then poured onto ice and filtered on fritted glass. The pasty residue so obtained was successively washed twice with water, once with 200 ml of ethanol and finally with ethyl ether. After drying under vacuum for 2 hours the desired product was provided after recrystallization from ethyl acetate.

In this manner, 0.074 mol of 1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)-3-methylbutan-2-one was obtained in the form of a white solid.

Yield: 74%.

M.P.: 160° C.

(b) 1-Isobutyryl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)cyclopropane

A mixture of 0.05 mol of 1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)-3-methylbutan-2-one, (0.05 mol) of 1,2-dibromo-ethane and 0.12 mol of potassium carbonate in 100 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was stirred at room-temperature for 60 hours. The reaction mixture was poured into water, acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. After drying on sodium sulphate, the medium was filtered and concentrated. The residue so obtained was then purified by chromatography on a silica column using an ethyl acetate/hexane 3/7 mixture as eluent.

In this manner, 0.026 mol of 1-isobutyryl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)cyclopropane was obtained in a yield of 53%.

M.P.: 106°-107° C.

(c) 1-Isobutyryl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)cyclopropane

Into 85 ml of ethanol heated to 80° C., was dissolved 0.026 mol of 1-isobutyryl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)cyclopropane. A solution of 0.05 mol of sodium hydroxide in 30 ml of water was then added and the medium was maintained at 80° C. for 10 min. The ethanol was eliminated under reduced pressure and the residue was taken up in dilute hydrochloric acid and distilled in the presence of ethyl acetate. After drying on sodium sulphate, the medium was filtered and concentrated. The residue so obtained was then purified by chromatography on a silica column using an ethyl acetate/hexane 1/1 mixture.

In this manner, 0.016 mol of 1-isobutyryl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)cyclopropane was obtained in the form of a white solid.

Yield: 60%.

M.P.: 111°-112° C. (ethyl acetate).

(d) 1-Isobutyryl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]cyclopropane

A mixture of 0.005 mol of 1-isobutyryl-1-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)cyclopropane, 0.0048 mol of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane and 0.005 mol of potassium carbonate in 5 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was heated at 140° C. for 15 min. The reaction mixture was then poured into water and distilled in the presence of ethyl acetate. After drying on sodium sulphate, the medium was filtered and concentrated. The residue was then purified by chromatography on a silica column using an ethyl acetate/hexane 1/1 mixture.

In this manner, 0.0033 mol of 1-isobutyryl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]cyclopropane was obtained in oily form.

Yield: 66%.

(e) 2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-4,5-dihydro-furan oxalate

A mixture of 0.002 mol of 1-isobutyryl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]cyclopropane and 0.003 mol of tricaprylylmethyl ammonium chloride was heated at 115° C. for 30 min. The reaction medium was then purified by chromatography on a silica column using an ethyl acetate/hexane 1/1 mixture to obtain a base in oily form. An ethereal solution of the base so provided was then treated with one equivalent of oxalic acid in ethyl ether.

In this manner, 0.0013 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-4,5-dihydro-furan oxalate was obtained in the form of a white solid.

Yield: 65%.

M.P.: 147.2° C. (methanol).

EXAMPLE 74 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}quinoline oxalate (SR 33695 A)

(a) 2-Isopropyl-3-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)quinoline

In a sealed tube a mixture of 0.02 mol of 2-aminobenzaldehyde and 0.02 mol of 1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)-3-methyl-butan-2-one was heated at 185° C. for 2 hours. The mixture was then taken up in dry ethyl ether and filtered.

M.P. of the hydrochloride: about 90° C.

(b) 2-Isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)quinoline

To a solution of 0.017 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)quinoline in 250 ml of ethanol, was added a solution of 0.068 mol of sodium hydroxide in 5 ml of water. The mixture was heated to reflux for 2 hours and then the solvent was eliminated. The residue so obtained was taken up in water and neutralized with acetic acid. The precipitate which formed was then filtered out, dried and recrystallized from a dichlorethane/heptane 1/1 mixture.

In this manner, 2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)quinoline was obtained in a yield of 58%.

M.P.: 185° C.

(c) 2-Isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}quinoline oxalate

To a solution of 0.005 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)quinoline in 25 ml of dimethylsulphoxide, was added 0.015 mol of anhydrous potassium carbonate. The mixture was stirred for 30 min. and 0.0075 mol of 1-chloro-3-(di-n-butylamino)propane was added. The reaction medium was maintained under stirring for 24 hours. After this period of time, the mixture was poured into water and extracted with ethyl ether. The organic phase was washed with water, dried on sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated to dryness. An oily base was so provided which was purified by chromatography on a silica column (eluent: isopropanol) and transformed into an oxalate by adding oxalic acid in ethyl ether.

In this manner 2-isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}quinoline oxalate was obtained in a yield of 55%.

M.P.: 130° C. (ethanol).

Using the same method as that described above, 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]quinoline oxalate (SR 33694 A) (Example 75).

M.P.: 162° C. (ethanol).

EXAMPLE 76 Preparation of 5-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-6-isopropyl-pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine oxalate (SR 33687 A)

(a) 3-(4-Tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)methyl-pyridazine

To a solution of 0.13 mol of 3-chloromethyl-pyridazine hydrochloride in 400 ml of dimethylsulphoxide was added 0.13 mol of sodium bicarbonate. The mixture was stirred for 30 min. and 0.195 mol of sodium 4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonate was introduced. The reaction medium was maintained under stirring for 2 hours at room-temperature then for 2 hours at 50° C. The mixture was poured into 3 l of water and the precipitate so formed was filtered, washed with water and dried under vacuum.

In this manner, 3-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)methyl-pyridazine was obtained in a yield of 82%.

M.P.: 161° C. (ethanol).

(b) 5-(4-Tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)-6-isopropyl-pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine.

A mixture of 0.011 mol of 3-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)methylpyridazine and 0.011 mol of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5,4,0]undec-7-ene in 40 ml of hexamethylphosphoramide was heated at 75° C. for 30 min. After that 4 g of bromomethyl isopropyl ketone were added while maintaining the same temperature for 6 hours. The mixture was poured into 200 ml of water and extracted with dichloroethane. The organic solution was washed with water, dried on sodium sulphate and filtered. The solvent was eliminated under vacuum to provide an oily residue which was purified by chromatography on a silica column (eluent: dichloroethane).

In this manner, 5-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)-6-isopropyl-pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine was obtained in crystalline form.

Yield: 7%.

M.P.: 149° C. (isopropanol).

(c) 5-(4-Hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)-6-isopropyl-pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine.

A solution of 0.0034 mol of 5-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)-6-isopropylpyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine in 75 ml of ethanol was heated to boiling and a solution of 0.0034 mol of sodium hydroxide in 3 ml of water was added. Boiling was maintained for 6 hours. The solvent was eliminated and the residue was taken up in water and neutralized with acetic acid. The precipitate so formed was taken up in dichloroethane and the solution was washed with water, dried on sodium sulphate and filtered. The solvent was finally evaporated off.

In this manner, 5-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)-6-isopropyl-pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine was isolated in a yield of 75%.

(c) 5-[4-{3-[N-Methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-6-isopropyl-pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine oxalate

A mixture of 0.0022 mol of 5-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)-6-isopropylpyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine and 1.5 g of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 25 ml of dimethylsulphoxide was stirred for 30 min. After that, 0.0027 mol of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane oxalate was added and stirring was maintained at room-temperature for 18 hours. The reaction medium was then heated at 50° C. for 5 hours, poured into water and extracted with ethyl ether. The ethereal phase was washed with water, dried on sodium sulphate and filtered. After evaporating the solvent, an oily residue was obtained which was purified by chromatography and a silica column using methanol as eluent. The oxalate was formed by adding oxalic acid in ethyl ether to an ethereal solution of the base so provided.

In this manner, 5-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-6-isopropyl-pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine oxalate was obtained in a yield of 57%.

M.P.: 88° C. (ethyl acetate/isopropanol).

EXAMPLE 77 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]furan oxalate (SR 33697 A)

(a) 2-Isopropyl-3-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)-4,5-dihydro-furan

A mixture of 0.008 mol of 1-isobutyryl-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)cyclopropane and 0.022 mol of tricaprylylmethyl ammonium chloride was heated at 130° C. for 30 min. The reaction mixture was then chromatographed on a silica column using an ethyl acetate/hexane 25/75 mixture as eluent.

In this manner, 0.0145 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)-4,5-dihydro-furan was obtained in the form of a white solid.

Yield: 66%.

M.P.: 103° C. (ethyl acetate/hexane).

(b) 2-Isopropyl-3-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)furan

A mixture of 0.035 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)-4,5-dihydro-furan, 1 mol of manganese dioxide and 3 Å-molecular screen in powder (previously dried at 140° C. under 0.01 mm Hg for 5 h) in 400 ml of dry ethyl ether was stirred for 66 hours at room-temperature. The mixture was then filtered and the solid was rinsed with dichloromethane. After concentration the medium was chromatographed on a silica column using an ethyl acetate/hexane 2/8 mixture.

In this manner, 0.009 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)furan was obtained in a yield of 25%.

M.P.: 94° C. (ethyl acetate/hexane).

(c) 2-Isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)furan

To a solution of 0.008 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)furan in 1.8 ml of ethanol were added 18 ml of 1N-sodium hydroxide. The milky solution was stirred under reflux to complete dissolution (2 minutes) and the reaction medium was cooled and neutralized with dilute hydrochloric acid. After that, the mixture was distilled in the presence of ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried on sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The residue so obtained was then purified on a silica column and eluted using an ethyl acetate/hexane 4/6 mixture.

In this manner, 0.0073 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)furan was obtained in a yield of 91%.

M.P.: 131° C. (ethyl acetate/hexane).

(d) 2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]furan oxalate

A mixture of 0.003 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)furan, 0.003 mol of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane and 3.23×10⁻³ mols of crushed potassium carbonate in 3 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was heated at 100° C. for 30 minutes. The mixture was then poured into water and distilled in the presence of ethyl acetate. After drying on sodium sulphate, the medium was filtered and concentrated. The residue so obtained was then purified by chromatography on a silica column using methanol as eluent. After that, the base so provided was transformed into oxalate by adding oxalic acid in ethyl ether.

In this manner, 0.00288 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]furan oxalate was obtained.

Yield: 96%.

M.P.: 102° C. (chloroform/ethyl acetate).

Using the same method as described above, 2-isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}furan oxalate (SR 33701 A) (Example 78) was obtained in a yield of 92%.

M.P.: 98° C. (ethanol/ethyl ether).

EXAMPLE 79 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(tert-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl{furan oxalate (SR 33701 A)

(a) 2-Isopropyl-3-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]furan

A mixture of 0.003 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxylbenzenesulphonyl)furan, 0.06 mol of 1,3-dibromopropane and 0.005 mol of crushed potassium carbonate in 8 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was heated at 100° C. for 1 hour. The mixture was poured into water and distilled in the presence of ethyl acetate. After drying on sodium sulphate, the medium was filtered and concentrated. The residue so obtained was then purified by chromatography on a silica column using an ethyl acetate/hexane 2/8 mixture.

In this manner, 0.00282 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]furan was obtained in oily form. Yield: 94%.

(b) 2-Isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(tert-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}furan oxalate

A mixture of 0.00282 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]furan and 0.013 mol of tert-butylamine in 7 ml of dimethylsulphoxide was stirred at room-temperature for 24 hours. After that, the mixture was poured into water, distilled in the presence of ethyl acetate, dried on sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The residue so obtained was purified on a silica column using a methanol/ethyl acetate 2/8 mixture as eluent. The oily base so provided was then treated with an ethereal solution of oxalic acid and the precipitate was recrystallized from ethanol.

In this manner, 0.0023 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(tert-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}furan oxalate was obtained in a yield of 82%. M.P.: 143.6° C.

EXAMPLE 80 Preparation of 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}phenylthio]cinnoline oxalate (SR 33699 A)

(a) 4-(4-Methoxyphenylthio)cinnoline

To a solution of sodium methylate prepared from 0.7 g (0.03 at.g.) of sodium in 25 ml of methanol, there were added 4.2 g (0.03 mol) of 4-methoxyphenylthiol. The methanol in excess was eliminated using a rotatory evaporator and the sodium salt so obtained was dried under high vacuum and then dissolved into 100 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide. After that, 4.38 g (0.03 mol) of 4-chlorocinnoline were added. The medium was stirred at room-temperature for 24 hours and then poured into water. After filtration, the product was washed on the filter with water and then dried under vacuum at the temperature of 60° C.

In this manner 6.4 g of 4-(4-methoxyphenylthio)cinnoline were obtained in a yield of 80%.

M.P.: 163° C. (7/3 isopropanol/heptane).

Using the same procedure as that described above but from 3-bromocinnoline there was obtained 3-(4-methoxyphenylthio)cinnoline

Yield: 74.6%.

M.P.: 108° C. (isopropanol).

(b) 4-(4-Hydroxyphenylthio)cinnoline

To a solution of 3.6 g (0.0134 mol) of 4-(4-methoxyphenylthio)cinnoline, there were added 30 ml of 47%-hydrobromic acid. The mixture was stirred and heated at 125° C. for 4 hours. The hydrobromic acid in excess was then eliminated with a rotatory evaporator and the residue obtained was taken up with water. The solution was neutralized with sodium bicarbonate and filtered. The product so isolated was washed on the filter with water and dried under vacuum at the temperature of 60° C.

In this manner, 2.9 g of 4-(4-hydroxyphenylthio)cinnoline were obtained after recrystallization from a 7/3 isopropanol/heptane mixture.

Yield: 85%.

M.P.: 238° C.

Using the same procedure described above but from 3-(4-methoxyphenylthio)cinnoline, there was obtained 3-(4-hydroxyphenylthio)cinnoline in a yield of 90%.

(c) 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}phenylthio]cinnoline oxalate.

A mixture of 2.5 g (0.01 mol) of 4-(4-hydroxyphenylthio)cinnoline and 7 g of crushed anhydrous potassium carbonate in 50 ml of dimethylsulphoxide was stirred for 30 min. After that 4.4 g (0.012 mol) of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane oxalate were added while stirring was maintained for 24 hours at room-temperature. The medium was poured into water and extracted with ethyl ether. The ethereal solution was washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and filtered. The ethyl ether was eliminated with a rotatory evaporator to obtain 5.3 g of an oil which was purified by chromatography on a silica column using methanol as eluent. The base so provided (4.7 g) was then transformed into an oxalate in ethyl ether medium and the salt was recrystallized from ethanol.

In this manner 4.1 g of 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}phenylthio]cinnoline oxalate were obtained.

Yield: 70.8%.

M.P.: 138° and 160° C.

Using the same procedure as that described above but from 3-(4-hydroxyphenylthio)cinnoline there was prepared 3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}phenylthio]cinnoline oxalate (Example 82) (SR 33704 A).

Yield: 67.6%.

M.P.: 166° C.

EXAMPLE 81 Preparation of 3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]cinnoline oxalate (SR 33703 A)

(a) 3-(4-Hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)cinnoline

A mixture of 2.1 g (0.01 mol) of 3-bromocinnoline, 6.6 g (0.02 mol) of sodium 4-tosyloxybenzenesulphinate and 50 ml of dimethylsulphoxide was stirred and heated at 120° C. for 24 hours. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with dichloroethane. The dichloroethane solution was washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and filtered. The solvent was then evaporated with a rotatory evaporator to provide 2.5 g of an oily residue. The desired product was then isolated by chromatography on a silica column using dichlorethane/methanol 98/2.

In this manner, 0.45 g of 3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)cinnoline was obtained.

Yield: 10.2%.

(b) 3-[4-{3-[N-Methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]cinnoline oxalate

A mixture of 0.2 g (0.0007 mol) of 3-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)cinnoline and 0.4 g of potassium carbonate in 10 ml of dimethylsulphoxide was stirred for 30 min. After that, 0.3 g (0.0008 mol) of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane oxalate was added and the stirring was maintained for 24 hours at room-temperature. The medium was poured into water and extracted with ethyl ether. The ethereal solution was washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and filtered. The ethyl ether was then eliminated using a rotatory evaporator and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica column using methanol as solvent to provide 0.100 g (30%) of a base. This base was then transformed into an oxalate in ethyl ether by adding an ethereal solution of oxalic acid and the salt so formed was recrystallized from ethanol.

In this manner, 0.100 g of 3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]cinnoline oxalate was obtained.

M.P.: 158° C.

EXAMPLE 83 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-oxide-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine acid oxalate

A solution of 2.75 g (0.005 mol) of 2-isopropyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine in 40 ml of dichloromethane was cooled to -10° C. Under stirring, 1 g (0.005 mol) of 3-chloro-perbenzoic acid in 40 ml of dichloromethane was added to the reaction medium which was then allowed to return to room-temperature. The mixture was washed with a sodium carbonate solution and then with water. After drying on sodium sulphate and filtering, the solvent was evaporated off using a rotatory evaporator. The residue so obtained (3.1 g) was then purified by chromatography on a silica column using methanol as solvent to obtain the required N-oxide derivative in free base form. The oxalate was then formed by adding an ethereal solution of oxalic acid to a solution, of the base so provided, in tetrahydrofuran/ethyl ether.

In this manner, 2-isopropyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-oxide-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine acid oxalate was obtained. The N.M.R. spectrum was found to be correct.

EXAMPLE 84 Preparation of 1-benzyl-2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]imidazole, (SR 33776)

(a) N-Benzylimidazole

To a solution of 24 g (1 mol) of sodium hydride in 500 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide, there was added, drop-by-drop, a solution of 68 g (1 mol) of imidazole in 150 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide. The medium was stirred for 2 hours and then 126.6 g (1 mol) of benzyl chloride were added. The solvent was eliminated and the residue was taken up with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried and concentrated to provide an oil which crystallized when cold.

In this manner, N-benzylimidazole was obtained in a yield of 70%.

(b) 1-Benzyl-2-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole

To a solution of 44 g (0.28 mol) of 1-benzylimidazole in 200 ml of acetonitrile, there were added, drop-by-drop, 57.5 g (0.28 mol) of 4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl chloride dissolved into 50 ml of acetonitrile. After one hour, 41.5 ml (0.31 mol) of triethylamine were added and the medium was maintained under stirring for 12 hours. The precipitate was isolated and the solution was purified by high pressure liquid chromatography using dichloromethane as eluent.

In this manner, 1-benzyl-2-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole was obtained in a yield of 5%.

(c) 1-Benzyl-2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole

A mixture of 2.6 g (8×10⁻³ mol) of 1-benzyl-2-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole in 10 ml of iodhydric acid was heated for 5 hours at 170° C. The reaction medium was then poured into ice water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried and concentrated and the residue obtained was purified by high pressure liquid chromatography using dichloromethane as eluent.

In this manner, 1-benzyl-2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole was obtained in a yield of 20%.

(d) 1-Benzyl-2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]imidazole

A mixture of 0.5 g (1.6×10⁻³ mol) of 1-benzyl-2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole, 0.86 g (2.4×10⁻³ mol) of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane oxalate and 1.1 g (7.9×10⁻³ mol) of potassium carbonate in 6 ml of dimethylsulphoxide was maintained at 35° C. for 3 days. The reaction medium was then poured into ice water and the oil so obtained was purified by high pressure liquid chromatography using ethyl acetate as eluent. Yield: 78%.

EXAMPLE 85 Preparation of 1-isopropyl-2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzimidazole oxalate

(a) 1-Isopropyl-2-(4-benzyloxybenzenesulphonyl)benzimidazole

To a solution of 7.08×10⁻⁴ mol of 4-benzyloxybenzenesulphonyl chloride in 10 ml of acetonitrile cooled to 0° C., there was added 7.08×10⁻⁴ mol of 1-isopropylbenzimidazole prepared in N,N-dimethylformamide from benzimidazole and isopropyl bromide in the presence of sodium hydride. After that one equivalent of triethylamine was added. The medium was stirred at room-temperature for 12 hours and the acetonitrile was then evaporated off. The residue so obtained was then taken up with water and extracted several times with dichloromethane. The organic extracts were collected, dried and evaporated. The residue so provided was purified by chromatography on a silica column using a dichloromethane/ethyl acetate 99/1 mixture as eluent.

In this manner, 1-isopropyl-2-(4-benzyloxybenzenesulphonyl)benzimidazole was obtained in a yield of 52%.

M.P.: 94°-96° C.

(b) 1-Isopropyl-2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)benzimidazole

To 20 ml of ethanol, there were added 2.95×10⁻⁴ mol of 1-isopropyl-2-(4-benzyloxybenzenesulphonyl)benzimidazole and 0.015 g of 10%-palladium charcoal and the mixture so obtained was maintained under hydrogen atmosphere. When the required quantity of hydrogen was absorbed namely after about 2 hours, the catalyst was filtered out and washed with ethanol. The alcoholic extracts were collected and evaporated under vacuum.

In this manner 1-isopropyl-2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)benzimidazole was obtained in the form of a white crystalline product.

Yield: 64%.

M.P.: 198° C.

(c) 1-Isopropyl-2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzimidazole oxalate

To a mixture of 1.42×10⁻⁴ mol of 1-isopropyl-2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)benzimidazole and 5 equivalents of potassium carbonate in 5 ml of dimethylsulphoxide, there was added 1.5 equivalent of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane oxalate. The medium was stirred for about 15 hours at 35° C. and the residue was poured on ice and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was then dried and evaporated and the base so provided was purified by chromatography on a silica column using an ethyl acetate/methanol 95/5 mixture. The oxalate was then formed using an ethereal solution of oxalic acid.

In this manner, 1-isopropyl-2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzimidazole oxalate was obtained.

EXAMPLE 86 Preparation of 2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]pyrimidine oxalate

(a) 2-(4-Methoxybenzenesulphonyl)pyrimidine

To 8.7×10⁻² mol of 50%-sodium hydride in 20 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide, there were added 12.3 g (8.7×10⁻² mol) of 4-methoxyphenylthiol. After the gaseous evolution was terminated namely after about 2 hours, 10 g (8.7×10⁻² mol) of 2-chloropyrimidine in 100 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide were added. The medium was stirred at room-temperature for 3 hours and the slight precipitate was filtered out. After evaporation of the solvent, the oily residue was taken up in 100 ml of water and the mixture was stirred. The product which crystallized was then filtered out and washed with water.

In this manner 2-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)pyrimidine was obtained in a yield of 89%.

M.P.: 72° C.

(b) 2-(4-Hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)pyrimidine

A mixture of 4.6×10⁻³ mol of 2-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)pyrimidine and 10 ml of 47%-hydrobromic acid was heated for 1 hour at 90° C. The reaction medium was neutralized to a pH of 7 with an ammonia solution and the pasty residue was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was then dried and evaporated and the residue so provided was purified by chromatography on a silica column using dichloromethane as eluent.

In this manner, 2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)pyrimidine was obtained.

(c) 2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]pyrimidine oxalate

To a mixture of 1.6×10⁻³ mol of 2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)pyrimidine, 2.4×10⁻³ mol of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane oxalate and 1.1 g of potassium carbonate was maintained at 35° C. for several hours and the residue was poured on ice and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was then dried and evaporated and the base so provided was purified by chromatography on a silica column. The oxalate was then formed using an ethereal solution of oxalic acid.

In this manner 2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]pyrimidine oxalate was obtained.

EXAMPLE 87 Preparation of 2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indene oxalate (SR 33705 A)

(a) 3-Chloro-2-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indane

Under nitrogen atmosphere, a mixture of 0.05 mol of indene, 0.05 mol of sulphonyl chloride, 0.0005 mol of cupric chloride and 0.0005 mol of triethylamine hydrochloride in 3 ml of acetonitrile was heated at 115° C. for 2 hours. The medium was then poured into methanol and the precipitate which formed was filtered and recrystallized from an ethyl acetate/chloroform mixture.

In this manner, 0.042 mol of 3-chloro-2-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indane was obtained in a yield of 84%.

M.P.: 176° C.

(b) 2-(4-Tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indene

A mixture of 0.025 mol of 3-chloro-2-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indane and 0.04 mol of triethylamine in 125 ml of chloroform was stirred for 4 hours at room-temperature. The medium was poured into water and distilled in the presence of chloroform. The organic phase was dried on sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The green solid so obtained was recrystallized first from tetrahydrofuran and then from ethyl acetate.

In this manner, 0.024 mol of 2-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indene was obtained in the form of a white solid.

Yield: 82%.

M.P.: 174° C.

(c) 2-(4-Hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indene.

A suspension of 0.01 mol of 2-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)indene in 100 ml of 2N-sodium hydroxide and 160 ml of ethanol was heated to 80° C. After complete dissolution, the reaction medium was poured into water, acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid and distilled in the presence of dichloromethane. The residue was stirred in the presence of animal charcoal and sodium sulphate and then filtered and concentrated.

In this manner 0.005 mol of 2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indene was obtained in a yield of 52%.

M.P.: 209°-210° C. (ethyl acetate/hexane).

(d) 2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indene oxalate

A mixture of 0.005 mol of 2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)indene and 3.5 g of crushed potassium carbonate in 10 ml of dimethylsulphoxide was stirred for 30 min. After that, 0.006 mol of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane oxalate was added while stirring was maintained for 24 hours at room-temperature.

The medium was poured into water and extracted with ethyl ether. The ethereal solution was washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and filtered. The ethyl ether was eliminated with a rotatory evaporator and the residue so obtained was purified by chromatography on a silica column. The base so provided was then transformed into an oxalate by adding oxalic acid in ethyl ether.

In this manner 2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indene oxalate was obtained.

M.P.: 176° C. (ethanol/isopropanol).

EXAMPLE 88 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran acid oxalate (SR 33747 A)

(a) 2-Isopropyl-3-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran

This compound was obtained using the method described in Example 69a.

M.P.: 111°-112° C.

Using the same procedure the following compounds were prepared:

COMPOUNDS

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-(2-bromoethoxy)benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran, M.P.: 109°-110° C.

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-(4-bromobutyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran, Oily.

(b) 2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzyl)amino)propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran acid oxalate

A mixture of 0.0103 mol of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-(3-bromopropyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran and 0.0206 mol of N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine in 75 ml of toluene was refluxed for 4 days in the presence of 0.03 mol of anhydrous and finely crushed potassium carbonate. After reacting the medium was allowed to cool, the mineral salts were filtered out and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness. After that, the unreacted amine was separated out by elution chromatography on neutral alumina using chloroform as eluent. The desired product was then purified by elution chromatography on silica with acetone as eluent. The oil so isolated (yield: about 96%) was then transformed into an acid oxalate in ethyl acetate using an ethereal solution of oxalic acid.

In this manner, 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran acid oxalate was obtained in a yield of 40 to 60%.

M.P.: 167° C. (ethanol).

Using the same method as that described above the following compounds were prepared:

COMPOUNDS

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{2-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzyl)amino]ethyloxy}benzenesulphonyl benzofuran hemioxalate (SR 33752 A), (Example 89), M.P.: 197° C. (methanol).

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran acid oxalate (SR 33753 A), (Example 90), M.P.: 196° C. (methanol)

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{2-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]ethyloxy}benzenesulphonyl benzofuran hemioxalate (SR 33754 A), (Example 91), M.P.: 180° C. (methanol).

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{4-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzyl)amino]butyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran hemioxalate (SR 33755 A), (Example 92), M.P.: 154° C. (ethanol).

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{4-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]butyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran acid oxalate (SR 33756 A), (Example 93).

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-[(2-pyridyl)-β-ethyl]amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran (SR 33783), (Example 94), Yellow oil.

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-[3-(1,3-benzodioxolyl)]-β-ethyl]amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl benzofuran acid oxalate (SR 33790 A), (Example 95), M.P.: 194° C. (methanol).

EXAMPLE 96 Preparation of 1-isopropyl-2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]imidazole dihydrochloride (SR 33800 A)

(a) 1-Isopropyl-2-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole

Into 20 ml of acetonitrile was introduced 0.1 mol of 1-isopropylimidazole.

After that 0.1 mol of 4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl chloride in 20 ml of acetonitrile was added drop-by-drop. The addition took one hour and the temperature increased to 35° C. After one hour stirring at room-temperature 0.11 mol of triethylamine was added to the reaction medium and stirring was maintained for 20 hours. The precipitate which formed was suction-filtered, the filtrate was evaporated to dryness and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate. After washing with neutral water, the extract was dried and isolated to give 18.3 g of a brownish oil which was purified on a silica column. The elution with ethyl acetate provided 4.5 g of a brownish oil which solidified.

In this manner, 1-isopropyl-2-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole was obtained in a yield of 16%.

Purity: 99.9% (high pressure liquid chromatography).

M.P.: 84°-86° C. (ethyl acetate/n-hexane 1/2).

Using the same procedure as that described above 1-benzyl-2-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole was obtained in the form of a white beige solid.

M.P.: 74.5° C. (ethyl acetate/n-hexane 1/2).

(b) 1-Isopropyl-2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole

In 30 ml of anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide were suspended, under nitrogen atmosphere, 2.4 g (48×10⁻³ mol) of a 50%-sodium hydride oily mixture and 1.8 ml (24×10⁻³ mol) of 2-mercaptoethanol in 5 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was added. Stirring was maintained for one hour at room-temperature and 3.85 g (11.7×10⁻³ mol) of 1-isopropyl-2-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole in 20 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide were then added. The medium was then heated to 140° C. for one hour, cooled and poured into 200 ml of iced water. The brownish precipitate which formed was eliminated by filtration and the filtrate was acidified by adding concentrated hydrochloric acid. The medium was then treated with sodium bicarbonate to neutrality and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The brownish residual solid was taken up in a dichloromethane/methanol 4/1 mixture and suction-filtered to eliminate the insoluble matter. The filtrate when concentrated provided 4.75 g of a brownish oil.

In this manner, 2.3 g of 1-isopropyl-2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole were obtained in the form of a slightly beige solid after purification on a silica column using ethyl acetate as eluent.

Yield: 74.2%.

Purity: 98.3% (high pressure liquid chromatography).

M.P.: 152°-153° C. (ethyl acetate/n-hexane 1/1).

Using the same procedure as that described above 1-benzyl-2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole was obtained in the form of a white solid.

Yield: 56.4%

M.P.: 161°-162° C. (ethyl acetate/methanol/n-hexane).

(c) 1-Isopropyl-2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]imidazole dihydrochloride

In 23 ml of dimethylsulphoxide were stirred for about 15 hours at room-temperature, 2.3 g (8.6×10⁻³ mol) of 1-isopropyl-2-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)imidazole, 3.45 g (9.5×10⁻³ mol) of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane acid oxalate and 3 g (21.5×10⁻³ mol) of potassium carbonate. The medium was then heated for 5 hours at 60° C., poured into 100 ml of water and extracted with 3 fractions each of 50 ml of ethyl acetate.

The extracts were collected and washed with 3 fractions each of 30 ml of water to obtain 3.45 g of a brownish oil. This oil was then purified on a silica column using an ethyl acetate/methanol 75/25 mixture as solvent to provide 2.4 g of an oil. The dihydrochloride was then formed in methanol by adding gaseous hydrochloric acid. The methanol was evaporated off and the residue was taken up in dry ethyl ether and filtered out.

In this manner, 2.05 g of 1-isopropyl-2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]imidazole dihydrochloride were obtained in the form of a white solid.

Yield: 41.4%.

Purity: 98.4%

M.P.: 90° C.

Using the same procedure as that described above 1-benzyl-2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]imidazole acid oxalate was obtained in the form of a white solid (SR 33776 A) (Example 97).

Yield: 49.21%.

M.P.: 130.5° C. (ethyl acetate/methanol)

EXAMPLE 98 Preparation of 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-1,5-diphenyl-imidazole acid oxalate

(a) 4-(4-Methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)-1,5-diphenyl-imidazole

While stirring at room-temperature, a solution of 2.1 g (0.01 mol) of (4-methoxy-benzene)sulphonylmethylisocyanide and 2.1 g (0.01 mol) of N-phenylbenzimidoyle chloride in 25 ml of dimethoxyethane was added drop-by-drop and under nitrogen atmosphere to a suspension of 0.4 g (0.01 mol) of 60%-sodium hydride in 25 ml of dimethylsulphoxide. After the introduction, stirring was maintained for 0.75 hour and the medium was slowly poured into iced water. An amorphous product was so obtained which transformed into an oil. This oil was then purified on a neutral alumina column.

In this manner, 0.774 g of 4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)-1,5-diphenyl-imidazole was obtained in a yield of 20%.

M.P.: 157° C.

(b) 4-(4-Hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-1,5-diphenyl-imidazole

To a solution of 0.287 g (3.7×10⁻³ mol) of 2-mercapto-ethanol in 5 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was added, under stirring and by little fractions, 0.354 g of 60% sodium hydride. Stirring was maintained for 0.25 hour at room-temperature and then 0.774 g of 4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)-1,5-diphenyl-imidazole in 5 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was added. The reactor was heated for 1 hour in an oily bath at 140° C. and the medium was allowed to cool, poured into 30 ml of iced water and acidified to pH=5 with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The precipitate which formed was suction-filtered, washed with water and dried on phosphorous pentoxide under 5 mm Hg. The solid obtained was then washed with ethyl acetate.

In this manner, 0.617 g of 4-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-1,5-diphenyl-imidazole was provided in a yield of 91%.

M.P.: 300° C.

(c) 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl-1,5-diphenyl-imidazole acid oxalate

To 0.60 g (1.6×10⁻³ mol) of 4-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-1,5-diphenyl-imidazole in 17 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was added 0.730 g (5.28×10⁻³ mol) of crushed anhydrous potassium carbonate. The medium was stirred for 0.5 hour at room-temperature. After that 0.578 g (1.6×10⁻³ mol) of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane acid oxalate was added and the reactor was heated in an oily bath at 105° C. for 0.75 hour. After cooling, the mixture was poured into iced water and the precipitate which formed was suction-filtered. This solid which transformed into an oil was chromatographied on a silica column using methanol as an eluent. An amorphous product was so obtained (M.P.: <50° C.) which was transformed into an oxalate in an ethyl ether/ethyl acetate mixture using an ethereal solution of oxalic acid.

In this manner, 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl-1,5-diphenyl-imidazole acid oxalate was obtained. M.P. 162° C. (isopropanol/ethanol/methanol).

EXAMPLE 99 Preparation of 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl-5-phenyl-thiazole acid oxalate (SR 33791 A)

(a) 4-(4-Methoxybenzenesulphonyl)-5-phenyl-thiazole

To 6.3 g (0.03 mol) of (4-methoxybenzene) sulphonylmethylisocyanide and 3.2 g (0.015 mol) of S-(thiobenzoyl) thioglycolic acid in 210 ml of tert-butanol, were added, at 19° C. and in 5 min., 2.6 g (0.046 mol) of crushed potassium hydroxide. Stirring was then maintained for 5.5 hours at room-temperature. After that, the tert-butanol was evaporated off under vacuum and a saturated solution of sodium chloride was added to the residue. The medium was extracted with a dichloromethane diethyl ether mixture, washed, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and evaporated. The residue was then purified by chromatography on a silica column using dichlorethane as eluent.

In this manner 2.2 g of 4-(methoxybenzenesulphonyl)-5-phenyl-thiazole were obtained in the form of a yellow solid.

Yield: 44%.

M.P.: 130° C. (methanol).

(b) 4-(4-Hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)-5-phenyl-thiazole

A mixture of 1.1 g (3.3×10⁻³ mol) of 4-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)-5-phenyl-thiazole in a mixture of 33 ml of glacial acetic acid and 33 ml of 47%-hydrobromic acid was heated under reflux for 35 hours. The medium was evaporated to dryness under vacuum and water was added to the residue followed by sodium bicarbonate. The grey precipitate which formed was suction-filtered and taken up in dichlorethane. The phenol derivative was extracted with an aqueous solution of 0.01 mol of sodium hydroxide and regenerated by acidification using acetic acid.

In this manner, 0.7 g of 4-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)-5-phenyl-thiazole was obtained in a yield of 66%.

M.P.: 195° C.

(c) 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-5-phenyl-thiazole acid oxalate

To a solution of 0.75 g (2.4×10⁻³ mol) of 4-(4-hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)-5-phenyl-thiazole in 25 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide, was added 1.1 g (7.9×10⁻³ mol) of crushed anhydrous potassium carbonate. The medium was stirred for 0.5 hour at room-temperature and 0.867 g (2.4×10⁻³ mol) of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane acid oxalate was added. The reaction mixture was heated at 105° C. for 0.75 hour, cooled and poured into iced water. After extraction with ethyl ether, the organic layer was washed with water and dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate. After evaporation to dryness under vacuum, the oily residue was chromatographied on a silica column using ethanol as eluent. The fractions were collected and evaporated to dryness to provide an oily product which was taken up in a dry ethyl ether/ethyl acetate mixture. The acid oxalate was then formed by adding oxalic acid in ethyl ether.

In this manner, 0.8 g of 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-5-phenyl-thiazole acid oxalate was obtained after recrystallization from methanol.

M.P.: 161.8° C.

EXAMPLE 100 Preparation of 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-5-isopropyl-pyrazole acid oxalate (SR 33801 A)

(a) 1-Isobutyroyl-1-(4-tosyloxy-benzenesulphonyl)-2-N,N-dimethylamino-ethene

A solution of 9.9 g (0.025 mol) of 1-(4-tosyloxy-benzenesulphonyl)-3-methyl-2-butanone (M.P.: 156°-157° C.) and 7.5 g (0.0625 mol) of N,N-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal in 50 ml of toluene was heated under reflux for 18 hours. After reacting, the medium was evaporated to dryness and the residue was stirred together with 50 ml of cyclohexane for 1.5 hour. The medium was suction-filtered, washed with cyclohexane and the product so obtained was recrystallised from 23 ml of methanol.

In this manner, 5.2 g of 1-isobutyroyl-1-(4-tosyloxy-benzenesulphonyl)-2-N,N-dimethylamino-ethene were obtained in the form of crystals.

Yield: 65.5%.

Purity: 92.01% (high pressure liquid chromatography).

M.P.: 115°-116° C.

(b) 4-(4-Hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazole

A solution of 4.5 g (0.01 mol) of 1-isobutyroyl-1-(4-tosyloxy-benzenesulphonyl)-2-N,N-dimethylamino-ethene and 16 ml (0.2 mol) of hydrazine hydrate in 25 ml of methanol and 7 ml of water was heated under reflux for 1 hour. After reacting, the medium was evaporated to dryness and the residue was purified by elution chromatography on silica using ethyl acetate as eluent. The oil so obtained was then crystallized from 100 ml of water and recystallized also from water.

In this manner, 0.9 g of 4-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-5-isopropylpyrazole was obtained in a yield of 33.7%.

Purity: 98% (High pressure liquid chromatography).

M.P.: 177°-179° C.

(c) 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-5-isopropyl-pyrazole acid oxalate

A mixture of 0.01 mol of 4-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-5-isopropylpyrazole, 0.01 mol of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane in 40 ml of dimethylsulphoxide and 0.028 mol of anhydrous and finely crushed potassium carbonate was stirred for 3 days at room-temperature. After reaction, the medium was poured into mixture of 100 ml of water and 100 g of ice. After extraction with 3 fractions each of 100 ml of isopropyl ether the organic layer was washed with 50 ml of water. The oily residue was then purified by elution chromatography on silica neutralized with diethylamine and using acetone as eluent. The acid oxalate was then formed in isopropyl ether using an ethereal solution of oxalic acid.

In this manner, 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-5-isopropyl-pyrazole acid oxalate was obtained.

EXAMPLE 101 Preparation of 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-5-isopropyl-isoxazole

(a) 1-Isobutyroyl-1-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)-2-N,N-dimethylamino-ethene

This compound was obtained from 1-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)-3-methyl-2-butanone (M.P.: 48°-49.5° C.) using the same procedure as that described in Example 35.

Yield: 80.9%.

M.P.: (1) 63°-66° C., (2) 66°-71° C.

(b) 5-Isopropyl-4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)-isoxazole

A mixture of 12.45 g (0.04 mol) of 1-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)-2-N,N-dimethylamino-ethene, 3.32 g (0.04 mol) of anhydrous sodium acetate and 2.8 g (0.04 mol) of hydroxylamine hydrochloride in 160 ml of methanol and 80 ml of water was stirred for 22 hours at room-temperature. After reacting, the medium was poured into 200 ml of water and the mixture was stirred for 0.5 hour at 10° C. The product so obtained was suction-filtered, washed with water and dried under vacuum at room-temperature.

In this manner 7.1 g of 5-isopropyl-4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)-isoxazole were obtained in a yield of 63%.

M.P.: 62°-63.5° C.

(c) 5-Isopropyl-4-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-isoxazole

A mixture of 16.7 g (0.06 mol) of 5-isopropyl-4-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)-isoxazole and 32 g (0.24 mol) of aluminium chloride in 400 ml of dichlorethane was heated under reflux for 6 hours. After reaction the medium was allowed to cool and then poured into 510 g of ice and 500 ml of water. The mixture was stirred for 0.5 hours decanted, washed to neutrality and evaporated under vacuum. The residue was dissolved in 400 ml of ethanol, discoloured with 6 g of active charcoal, filtered and evaporated. The product so provided was purified by elution chromatography on silica using isopropyl ether as eluent.

In this manner, 8.6 g of 5-isopropyl-4-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-isoxazole were obtained after recrystallisation from 55 ml of toluene.

Yield: 53.6%.

M.P.: 129°-131° C.

(d) 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-5-isopropyl-isoxazole

This compound was obtained using the same method as that described in Example 100.

EXAMPLE 102 Preparation of 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-5-isopropyl-3-phenyl-isoxazole

(a) 5-Isopropyl-3-phenyl-4-(4-tosyloxy-benzenesulphonyl)-isoxazole

To a solution of 0.23 g (0.01 at.gr) of sodium in 15 ml of methanol, were added, by small fractions, 3.95 g (0.01 mol) of 1-(4-tosyloxy-benzenesulphonyl)-3-methyl-2-butanone while maintaining the temperature at 10° C. At the same temperature, 1.55 g (0.01 mol) of benzhydroxamic acid chloride in 15 ml of methanol was added drop-by-drop in 20 minutes. The mixture was still stirred for 1 hour at 10° C. and the temperature was then allowed to increase to 20° C. while stirring for 4 hours. The medium was evaporated to dryness and the residue was suction-filtered and washed with water. The crude product so obtained was recrystallised from about 180 ml of ethanol and then purified by elution chromatography on silica using chloroform as eluent.

In this manner, 2.65 g of 5-isopropyl-3-phenyl-4-(4-tosyloxy-benzenesulphonyl)-isoxazole were obtained in a yield of 53.2%.

Purity: 38.4% (high pressure liquid chromatography).

M.P.: 147.5°-149° C.

(b) 4-(4-Hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-5-isopropyl-3-phenyl-isoxazole

A mixture of 2.5 g (0.005 mol) of 5-isopropyl-3-phenyl-4-(4-tosyloxy-benzenesulphonyl)-isoxazole and 0.8 g (0.02 mol) of sodium hydroxide in 20 ml of isopropanol and 10 ml of water was heated under reflux for 2.5 hours. After reacting, the mixture was allowed to cool, diluted with 50 ml of water and acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The product so obtained was suction-filtered and washed with water to obtain 1.4 g of the desired compound which was purified by elution chromatography on silica using chloroform as eluent.

In this manner, 1.12 g of 4-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-5-isopropyl-3-phenyl-isoxazole was obtained in a yield of 65.9%.

M.P.: 173°-174.5° C.

(c) 4-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-5-isopropyl-3-phenyl-isoxazole

This compound was obtained following the method described in Example 100.M.P. of the acid oxalate: 158.3° C. (methanol)

EXAMPLE 103 Preparation of 2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-naphthalene acid oxalate (SR 33732 A)

(a) 2-Benzenesulphonate-naphthalene

A solution of 510 ml of a 25%-aqueous solution of potassium carbonate was added to a mixture of 60 g (0.264 mol) of 2-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride and 0.264 mol of phenol in 600 ml of acetone. A precipitate formed. The medium was stirred for about 15 hours at room-temperature and then filtered. After washing first with a 1%-sodium hydroxide solution and then with water, the medium was dried and recrystallized from methanol.

In this manner, 2-benzenesulphonate-naphthalene was obtained in a yield of 84%.

M.P.: 98° C.

(b) 2-(4-Hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)naphthalene

To 70 ml of nitrobenzene and 2 equivalents of aluminium chloride were added 20 g of 2-benzenesulphonate naphthalene. The mixture was heated to 120°-140° C. for about 2.5 hours and became black. The medium was then decomposed using a hydrochloric acid/ice mixture. After decantation, the dried organic layer was purified on a silica column using a dichloromethane/heptane 5/5 mixture. The nitrobenzene was eliminated and the product was eluted with a dichloromethane/heptane 7/3 mixture. The oily compound so obtained was triturated with ethyl ether, crystallized and filtered.

In this manner, 2-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-naphthalene was obtained.

M.P.: 170° C.

(c) 2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-naphthalene acid oxalate

A mixture of 1.4 g of 2-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-naphthalene 5 equivalents of potassium carbonate and 1.5 equivalent of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane acid oxalate in 5 ml of dimethylsulphoxide was heated on a water-bath at 30°-35° C. for 15 hours. After that, 10 ml of water were added and the medium was extracted with dichloromethane and decanted. The organic layer was dried and purified on a silica column using first dichloromethane and then a dichloromethane/methanol 98/2 mixture as eluents.

In this manner, 2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-naphthalene acid oxalate was obtained in a yield of 75%

M.P.: 164° C. (ethanol).

EXAMPLE 104 Preparation of 1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]cyclohexene acid oxalate (SR 33767 A)

(a) 2-Iodo-1-(4-tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)cyclohexene

This compound was obtained following the method described in Example 87(a) but replacing sulphonyl chloride by sulphonyl iodide and heating at 40° C. for 4 hours.

Yield: 40%.

M.P.: 109° C.

(b) 1-(4-Tosyloxybenzenesulphonyl)cyclohexene

This compound was obtained following the method described in Example 87(b).

Yield: 80%.

M.P.: 110° C.

(c) 1-(4-Hydroxybenzenesulphonyl)cyclohexene

This compound was obtained following the method described in Example 87(c).

M.P.: 120° C.

(d) 1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]cyclohexene acid oxalate

Yield: 65%.

M.P.: 174° C.

EXAMPLE 105 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indole hemioxalate (SR 33738 A)

(a) 2-isopropyl-3-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole

A solution of 1.4 g (5×10⁻³ mol) of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-methoxyphenylthio) indole (prepared from 2-siopropylindole and 4-methoxythiophenol in the presence of iodine) in 25 ml of dichloromethane was stirred and cooled to about -5° C. After that 2.6 g (15×10⁻³ mol) of 3-chloroperbenzoic acid in 25 ml of dichloromethane was added drop-by-drop. The temperature was then allowed to return to room-temperature and the stirring was maintained for 2 hours. The reaction product was washed with a diluted sodium hydroxide solution and then twice with water. The medium was dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate, filtered and the solvent was evaporated off.

In this manner, 1.3 g of 2 isopropyl-3-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole was obtained after recrystallization from toluene.

M.P.: 178° C.

Using the same procedure as that described above, 3-isopropyl-2-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole was prepared.

Yield: 90%.

M.P.: 124° C.

(b) 2-Isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole

To a solution of 3.3 g (0.01 mol) of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole in 20 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was added a solution of 0.024 mol of a 50% - suspension sodium hydride and 0.012 mol of 2-mercaptoethanol in 10 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide. The medium was heated to 135° C. for 4 hours and cooled. After that a solution of 0.016 mol of sodium hydride and 0.008 mol of 2-mercapto-ethanol was again added and the mixture was again heated at 135° C. for 3 hours. The reaction medium was then taken up in 50 ml of water, acidified, extracted with ethyl ether and purified by chromatography on silica.

In this manner, 3.6 g of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole were obtained in oily form and the product was crystallized from an ethanol/water mixture.

Yield: 82%.

M.P.: 152° C.

Using the same procedure as that described above, 3-isopropyl-2-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole was prepared.

Yield: 46.9%.

M.P.: about 72° C.

(c) 2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indole hemioxalate

This compound was obtained in accordance with Example 69.

Yield: 50%.

M.P.: about 115° C. (isopropanol/ethyl ether).

Using the same procedure as that described above the following compounds were prepared:

Compounds

2-Isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indole acid oxalate (SR 33743 A), (Example 106), Yield: 79.4%. M.P.: about 85° C. (ethylacetate/isopropanol 8/2).

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}phenylthio]indole hemioxalate (SR 33737 A), (Example 107), [from 2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxy-phenylthio)indole] M.P. 134° C. (isopropanol/ethyl ether)

3-Isopropyl-2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indole acid oxalate (SR 33807 A), (Example 108), Yield: 42.2%. M.P.: about 105° C.

EXAMPLE 109 Preparation of 1-methyl-2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indole (SR 33741)

(a) 1-Methyl-2-isopropyl-3-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole

A solution of 6.6 g (0.02 mol) of 2-isopropyl-3-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole in 30 ml of hexamethylphosphotriamide was cooled to about 0° C. and 1 g (0.022 mol) of a 55% - suspension of sodium hydride was added by small fractions. After the hydrogen evolution was terminated 2.8 g (0.02 mol) of methyl iodide were introduced. The stirring was maintained at room-temperature for 12 hours and the medium was poured into water and extracted with ethyl ether. The ethereal phase was washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and filtered. The ether was then evaporated off.

In this manner, 5.4 g of 1-methyl-2-isopropyl-3-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole were obtained after recrystallisation from isopropanol/hexane 1/1.

Yield: 78.7%.

M.P.: 125° C.

Using the same procedure as that described above, 1-methyl-3-isopropyl-2-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole was prepared.

Yield: 85%.

M.P.: 125° C. (hexane/isopropanol 9/1).

(b) 1-Methyl-2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole

This compound was obtained according to Example 105b.

Yield: 87%.

M.P.: 202° C.

Using the same procedure as that described above, 1-methyl-3-isopropyl-2-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole was prepared.

Yield: 45.9%.

M.P.: 185° C. (dichlorethane/ethyl acetate 9/1).

(c) 1-Methyl-2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indole

This compound was obtained according to Example 105c.

Yield: 75%.

M.P.: 96° C. (isopropanol/diisopropylether 4/6).

Using the same procedure as that described above, the following compounds were prepared:

Compounds

1-Methyl-2-isopropyl-3-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indole acid oxalate (SR 33744 A) (Example 110).

Yield: 80%.

M.P.: about 90° C. (isopropanol)

1-Methyl-2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indole acid oxalate (SR 33768 A) (Example 111)

Yield: 62%.

M.P.: about 105° C. (isopropanol).

EXAMPLE 112 Preparation of 1-methyl-2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-(tert-butylamino)propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indole (SR 33770)

To a solution of 2.8 g (0.0085 mol) of 1-methyl-2-isopropyl-3-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)indole in 100 ml of N,N-dimethyl formamide were added 14 g of anhydrous and crushed potassium carbonate. After that 6.8 g (0.037 mol) of 1,3-dibromopropane were added and the medium was heated at 100° C. for 0.5 hour. The mixture was poured into water, extracted with ethyl ether and the ethereal fraction was washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated to obtain 2.7 g of 1-methyl-3-[4-(3-bromo-propoxy)benzenesulphonyl]-2-isopropyl-indole (yield: 69%). This crude bromopropoxy derivative was dissolved in 60 ml of dimethylsulphoxide and 2.2 g (0.03 mol) of tert-butylamine were added. The medium was then stirred at room-temperature for 48 hours, poured into water and extracted with ethyl ether. The ethereal solution was then washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated. The crude product so obtained (2.3 g) was then purified by chromatography on a silica column (solvent:methanol).

In this manner, 1.4 g of 1-methyl-2-isopropyl-3-[4-{3-(tert-butylamino)propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indole was obtained after recrystallization from a heptane/isopropanol 1/1 mixture.

Yield: 42.3%.

M.P.: 145° C.

Using the same procedure as that described above, 1-methyl-3-isopropyl-2-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indole acid oxalate was prepared (SR 33805 A) (Example 113).

Yield: 60.8%.

M.P.: about 94° C. (ethyl acetate/isopropanol/diisopropyl ether).

EXAMPLE 114 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzene acid oxalate (SR 33718 A)

(a) Sodium 2-isopropyl-benzenesulphonate

To a solution of 36.5 g (0.268 mol) of 2-isopropyl-phenol, 40 g (0.268 mol) of N,N-dimethylthiocarbamoyl chloride and 3.1 g (0.013 mol) of triethylbenzylammonium chloride in 270 ml of toluene was added, at 15° C., a solution of 27 g (0.67 mol) of sodium hydroxide in 130 ml of water. The stirring was maintained at this temperature for 2 hours. The organic fraction was then washed with water and the toluene was evaporated off. An oily residue was so obtained which was purified by distillation under vacuum (138°-140° C.; 0.5 mm Hg) to provide 34 g of 2-isopropyl0-phenyldimethylthiocarbamate. This product was then submitted to a transposition reaction by heating at 300° C. for 3 hours. The crude 2-isopropyl S-phenylthiocarbamate so obtained was then taken up in 600 ml of formic acid. To the solution so obtained and at a temperature of 15° C., were then added 225 ml of 30%-hydrogen peroxide. The stirring was maintained for about 12 hours. The formic acid was then distilled under reduced pressure, the oily residue was taken up in water and sodium hydroxide was added to pH=9. The water was eliminated and the residue was recrystallized from 200 ml of boiling water. The cristallization was rendered complete by adding sodium chloride and the precipitate so obtained was dried under vacuum at 60° C.

In this manner 24.6 g of sodium 2-isopropyl-benzenesulphonate were obtained.

Yield: 70.7%.

Using the same procedure as that described above sodium 2-ethylbenzenesulphonate (yield: 100%) was prepared from 2-ethyl 0-phenyldimethylthiocarbamate (B.P.: 130°-132° C.; 1 mm Hg).

(b) 2-Isopropyl-1-(4-methoxybenzenesulphonyl)-benzene

A mixture of 110 ml of methanesulphonic acid and 11 g of phosphoric anhydride was heated to about 80° C. to complete dissolution of the anhydride. After cooling to room-temperature, 9.5 g (0.0425 mol) of sodium 2-isopropylbenzenesulphonate and 4.6 g (0.0425 mol) of anisole were added. The medium was heated at 80° C. for 2 hours, cooled to room-temperature and poured onto ice. After extraction with ethyl ether, the ethereal fraction was washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and filtered. The ether was eliminated to obtain 9.8 g of a crude product which was purified by chromatography on a silica column (solvent:dichloroethane).

In this manner, 5.2 g of 2-isopropyl-1-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)-benzene were obtained, after recrystallization from heptane/isopropanol 95/5.

Yield: 42.2%.

M.P.: 100° C.

Using the same procedure as that described above, 2-ethyl-1-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)-benzene was obtained.

Yield: 66.6%.

M.P.: 71° C.

(c) 2-Isopropyl-1-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-benzene

A mixture of 4.2 g (0.0145 mol) of 2-isopropyl-1-(4-methoxy-benzenesulphonyl)-benzene and 42 g of pyridine hydrochloride was heated at 220° C. for 0.5 hour. After cooling, the medium was taken up in water and extracted with dichloroethane. The dichloroethane solution was then washed with water and dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and filtered. The solvent was then eliminated under vacuum to obtain a product which was recrystallized from an ethyl acetate/heptane 2/8 mixture.

In this manner 3.2 g of 2-isopropyl-1-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-benzene were obtained in a yield of 80%.

M.P.: 160° C.

Using the same procedure, 2-ethyl-1-(4hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-benzene was prepared in a yield of 83%

M.P.: 158° C. (heptane/isopropanol 95/5).

(d) 2-Isopropyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzene acid oxalate.

This compound was obtained following the same procedure as that described in Example 53b.

Yield: 79%.

M.P.: 120° C.

Using the same procedure as that described above, the compounds hereunder were prepared:

2-Isopropyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}benzene acid oxalate (SR 33722 A), (Example 115), Yield: 88.8%, M.P.: 88° C. (ethyl acetate).

2-Ethyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzene acid oxalate (SR 33735 A) (Example 116), Yield: 77.8%, M.P.: 175° C. (isopropanol).

2-Ethyl-1-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}benzene acid oxalate (SR 33740 A), (Example 117), Yield: 72.4%, M.P.: about 80° C. (isopropanol/ethyl ether).

EXAMPLE 118 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-1-[4-{3-(tert-butylamino)propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzene acid oxalate (SR 33728 A)

(a) 2-Isopropyl-1-[4-(3-bromo-propyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]benzene

While stirring 11.6 g of anhydrous and crushed potassium carbonate was added to 2 g (0.0072 mol) of 2-isopropyl-1-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)benzene in 100 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide. After that, 5.8 g (0.0288 mol) of 1,3-dibromopropane were added and the whole was heated at 100° C. for 0.5 hour. The medium was cooled, poured into water and extracted with ethyl ether. The ethereal layer was washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and filtered. The ether was then eliminated and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica column using a dichloroethane/hexane 6/4 mixture.

In this manner, 2.4 g of 2-isopropyl-1-[4-(3-bromo-propyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]benzene were obtained in oily form.

Yield: 84%.

n_(D) ²⁵ : 1.558.

Using the same procedure as that described above, 2-ethyl-1-[4-(3-bromo-propyloxy)benzenesulphonyl]benzene was obtained in a quantitative yield.

(b) 2-Isopropyl-1-[4-{3-(tert-butylamino)propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzene acid oxalate

A mixture of 2.5 g (0.00629 mol) of 2-isopropyl-1-[4-(3-bromo-propyloxy) benzenesulphonyl]benzene, 2.26 g (0.031 mol) of tert-butylamine and 25 ml of dimethylsulphoxide was stirred at room-temperature for 48 hours. The medium was then poured into water and extracted with ethyl ether. The ethereal fraction was washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and filtered. The ether was eliminated to obtain 2.4 g of a base of which the acid oxalate was formed in ether medium.

In this manner, 1.8 g of 2-isopropyl-1-[4{3-(tert-butylamino)propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzene acid oxalate was obtained after recrystallization from ethyl acetate/isopropanol 7/3.

Yield: 60%.

M.P.: 116° C.

Using the same procedure 2-ethyl-1-[4-{3-(tert-butylamino)propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzene acid oxalate was prepared (SR 33763 A) (Example 119)

Yield: 43.1%.

M.P.: 203.7° C. (isopropanol).

EXAMPLE 120 Preparation of 5-(2-chloro-benzyl)-2-ethyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridine oxalate (SR 33785 A)

(a) 5-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-2-ethyl-3-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine

A mixture of 13.5 g (0.046 mol) of 5-(2-chloro-benzyl)-2-ethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine and 29.4 g (0.047 mol) of sodium benzyloxybenzenesulphonate was heated at 60° C. for 16 hours together with a solution of 20 g of phosphorous pentoxide in 200 ml of anhydrous methanesulphonic acid. The medium was cooled and water was added. After that the mixture was neutralized by adding sodium hydroxide to pH=7.

After extraction with dichloroethane, the dichloroethane fraction was washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and filtered. The dichloroethane was distilled off and the oily residue (25 g) was dissolved in 300 ml of ethanol. After that, 20 ml of 30%-sodium hydroxide were added and the medium was heated at 80° C. for 4 hours. The ethanol was eliminated and the residue was taken up in water. The medium was treated with active charcoal, filtered and neutralized with acetic acid. After filtration, the product was washed on the filter with water and dried under vacuum at 60° C. to obtain 12.5 g of a product which was purified on a silica column using dichloroethane/ethyl acetate 8/2 as eluent.

In this manner, 9.1 g of 5-(2-chloro-benzyl)-2-ethyl-3-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine were obtained.

Yield: 45.3%

M.P.: 176° C. (hexane/isopropanol 7/3).

(b) 5-(2-chloro-benzyl)-2-ethyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine oxalate

A mixture of 0.0031 mol of 5-(2-chloro-benzyl)-2-ethyl-3-(4-hydroxy-benzenesulphonyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine and 2 g of anhydrous and crushed potassium carbonate was stirred for 0.5 hour in 20 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide. After that, 0.0031 mol of 1-chloro-3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propane was added. The medium was heated at 100° C. for 0.5 hour, cooled, poured into water and extracted with ethyl ether. The ethereal fraction was washed with water, dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate and filtered. The ether was then eliminated and the oil so obtained was purified by chromatography on a silica column using ethanol as solvent to provide 1.3 g of a base (61.9%). The oxalate was then formed in dry ethylether and recrystallized from an ethyl acetate/isopropanol/diisopropyl ether.

In this manner, 5-(2-chloro-benzyl)-2-ethyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine was obtained.

M.P.: 110° C.

Using the same procedure as that described above 5-(2-chloro-benzyl)-2-ethyl-3-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine dioxalate (SR 33787 A) (Example 121) was obtained.

M.P.: 105° C. (isopropanol/diisopropylether).

EXAMPLE 122 Preparation of 2-isopropyl-3-{4-[3-tert-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine hydrochloride (SR 33712 A)

This compound was obtained according to the procedure of Example 1.

Yield: 54.3%.

M.P.: 198°-200° C. (ethyl acetate/methanol).

Using the same procedure, 2-ethyl-3-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}indolizine acid oxalate (SR 33711 A) (Example 69) was obtained.

Yield: 75.5%.

M.P.: 71°-73° C. (ethyl acetate).

EXAMPLE 123 Preparation of 4-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}-5-phenyl-thiazole acid oxalate (SR 33786 A)

This compound was obtained according to the procedure of Example 99.

Yield: 73%.

M.P.: 110.4° C. (ethyl acetate).

EXAMPLE 124 Preparation of 4-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}-5-isopropyl-pyrazole acid oxalate (SR 33789 A)

This compound was obtained according to the procedure of Example 100.

M.P.: about 53° C. (methanol)

EXAMPLE 125 Preparation of 4-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}-5-isopropyl-3-phenyl-isoxazole (SR 33758)

This compound was obtained according to the procedure of Example 102.

M.P.: 53.5° C. (toluene).

EXAMPLE 126 Preparation of 2-{4-[3-(di-n-butylamino)propyloxy]benzenesulphonyl}-naphthalene acid oxalate (SR 33727 A)

This compound was obtained according to the procedure of Example 103.

Yield: 75%.

M.P.: 90° C. (heptane).

EXAMPLES 127 TO 135

Using the same procedures as those described above but starting from the appropriate product, the following compounds were prepared:

No. 127:

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran acid oxalate, M.P.: 198°-199° C. (methanol).

No. 128:

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{[(3,4-dichloro-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzofuran acid oxalate, M.P.: 203°-204° C. (methanol).

No. 129:

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-[3-(1,3-benzodioxolannyl)]-β-ethyl]amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]benzene acid oxalate, M.P.: 164° C. (absolute ethanol).

No. 130:

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,5-dimethoxy-benzyl)amino]propyloxy benzenesulphonyl]benzene acid oxalate, M.P.: 168° C. (absolute ethanol).

No. 131:

2-Isopropyl-3-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy benzenesulphonyl]-1-methyl-4,5-dihydro-pyrrole acid oxalate, M.P.: 100°-102° C. (ethyl acetate/methanol).

No. 132:

1-[4-{3-[N-(3,5-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-2-isopropyl-indolizine acid oxalate.

No. 133:

1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-2-isopropyl-indolizine acid oxalate, P.F.: 182°-183° C. (methanol).

No. 134:

1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-5-methyl-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-2-isopropyl-indolizine acid oxalate, P.F.: 189°-190° C. (methanol/etherethylique).

No. 135:

3-[4-{3-[N-(3,5-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]-2-isopropyl-benzofuran acid oxalate, P.F.: 202.2° C. (methanol).

The following examples are intended to illustrate, but not the limit, the present invention.

It is contemplated, however, that therapeutically effective amounts of other compound of the invention as discussed above maybe substituted in its place.

EXAMPLE 136

    ______________________________________                                         Topical Solution:                                                              Ingredients          mg/ml                                                     ______________________________________                                         SR 33557 (EX 30)     1.0                                                       Dibasic Sodium Phosphate                                                                            10.4                                                      Monobasic Sodium Phosphate                                                                          2.4                                                       Chlorobutanol        5.0                                                       Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose                                                                       5.0                                                       Sterile Water        q.s. ad 1.0 ml                                            1.0N NaOH            q.s. ad pH 7.4                                            ______________________________________                                    

Mix the ingredients under sterile conditions and using standard techniques to obtain the ophthamological solution.

EXAMPLE 137

    ______________________________________                                         Topical Solution:                                                              Ingredients          mg/ml                                                     ______________________________________                                         SR 33557 (EX 30)     1.0                                                       Timolol              5.0                                                       Dibasic Sodium Phosphate                                                                            10.4                                                      Monobasic Sodium Phosphate                                                                          2.4                                                       Chlorobutanol        5.0                                                       Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose                                                                       5.0                                                       Sterile Water        q.s. ad 1.0 ml                                            1.0N NaOH            q.s. ad pH 7.4                                            ______________________________________                                    

Mix the ingredients under sterile conditions and using standard techniques to obtain the ophthalmological solution.

EXAMPLE 138

    ______________________________________                                         Topical Solution:                                                              Ingredients          mg/ml                                                     ______________________________________                                         SR 33557             1.0                                                       Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate                                                                      1.0                                                       Dibasic Sodium Phosphate                                                                            10.4                                                      Monobasic Sodium Phosphate                                                                          2.4                                                       Chlorobutanol        5.0                                                       Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose                                                                       5.0                                                       Sterile Water        q.s. ad 1 ml                                              1.0N NaOH            q.s. ad pH 7.4                                            ______________________________________                                    

Mix the ingredients under sterile conditions and using standard techniques to obtain the ophthalmological solution.

Again, other compounds of the invention and steroids can be employed in place of those listed in the formulation above, with the particular amounts varying depending on the drugs employed.

While the present invention has been described in confunction with the specific embodiments set forth above, many alternatives, modifications and variations thereof will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. All such alternatives, modifications and variations are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What we claim is:
 1. A method of reducing and/or controlling excessive intraocular pressure in a host in need of such treatment comprising topically administering to said host an effective dose for lowering intraocular pressure of an ophthalmologically acceptable aminoalkoxyphenyl compound of the formula: ##STR74## in which: B represents a --S--, --SO-- or --SO₂ -- group,R₁ and R₂, which are identical or different, each denote hydrogen, a methyl or ethyl radical or a halogen, A denotes a straight- or branched-alkylene radical having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms or a 2-hydroxypropylene radical in which the hydroxy is optionally substituted by a lower alkyl radical, R₃ denotes an alkyl radical or a radical of formula

    --Alk--Ar

in which Alk denotes a single bond or a linear- or branched-alkylene radical having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms and Ar denotes a pyridyl, phenyl, 2,3-methylenedioxyphenyl or 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl radical or a phenyl group substituted with one or more substituents, which may be identical or different, selection from halogen atoms, lower alkyl groups or lower alkoxy groups, R₄ denotes hydrogen or an alkyl radical, or R₃ and R₄ when taken together, denote an alkylene or alkenylene radical having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with a phenyl radical or optionally interrupted by --O--, --N═ or --N--R₁₁, R₁₁ denoting hydrogen or a lower alkyl, phenyl, diphenylmethyl, benzyl or halogenbenzyl radical, and Cy represents an indolizinyl group.
 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein Cy represents indolizin-3-yl.
 3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the aminoalkoxyphenyl compound is administered to the human eye at a dose of about 5 ng to about 0.5 mg.
 4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the aminoakoxyphenyl compound is administered to the human eye at a dose of about 5 ng to about 50 ng.
 5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the aminoalkoxyphenyl compound is used in combination with an ophthalmologically acceptable carrier for topical use.
 6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the aminoalkoxyphenyl compound is 2-isopropyl-1-[4-{3-[N-methyl-N-(3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethyl)amino]propyloxy}benzenesulphonyl]indolizine, its N-oxide derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 